All roads lead to Bambatha this weekend as Bantu FC and Lioli FC renew their long-standing rivalry in what promises to be the headline act of the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) triple header.
With the title race entering a decisive phase, the stakes could not be higher. Bantu sit third on the log with 38 points after 10 matches, while Lioli trail closely in fifth place on 37 points.
Only a single point separates the two bitter rivals, and both remain within touching distance of leaders Lijabatho and Lifofane, who are locked at the summit with 42 points apiece, separated only by goal difference.
Victory for Bantu would solidify their grip on third place and potentially open a three-point cushion should Matlama currently fourth on 37 points falter in their fixture.
The same arithmetic applies to Lioli. A win for them would see them leapfrog Bantu and strengthen their pursuit of the top two.
Such is the fine margin in this season’s title race that a single misstep could prove fatal to championship ambitions. Both sides are four and five points adrift of the leaders, leaving little room for error.
Whenever Bantu and Lioli clash, fireworks are guaranteed. Bragging rights are firmly on the line in a fixture that has dominated football conversations throughout the week.
Their first-round meeting ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw. However, Lioli have had the upper hand in recent encounters, defeating Bantu twice last season 2–0 in the first round and 3–1 in the return leg.
Bantu will be desperate to halt that dominance. Adding intrigue to the contest is the presence of Motheo Mohapi, who coached Lioli last season but now occupies the Bantu bench.
Across the technical area is the recently appointed Lioli mentor Halemakale Mahlaha, facing one of his sternest early tests as he seeks to steady the ship.
Lioli’s recent form two wins and three draws in their last five matches reflects a side struggling for consistency. Draws against relegation-threatened Liphakoe and Manonyane dented their title defence, and last weekend’s frustrating stalemate against Manonyane exposed vulnerabilities.
Bantu, meanwhile, fought back to secure a point against log-leaders Lijabatho in a 1–1 draw and also shared spoils with Lijabatho previously. Neither side heads into Saturday’s showdown on the back of a win.
Much attention will focus on Bantu’s new signing, Moeketsi Sekola, whose decisive contributions have earned Bantu valuable points even when performances have faltered. The South African’s eye for goal could prove decisive once again.
Lioli, however, boast match-winners of their own in the form of veterans LitšepeMarabe and MasoabiNkoto, who possess the creativity and attacking spark capable of unsettling Bantu’s disciplined defensive structure.
The midfield battle is expected to be pivotal Bantu’s organisation and tactical discipline tested against Lioli’s pace and invention.
How effectively Lioli break down Bantu’s shape, and how ruthlessly Bantu exploit spaces left in transition, may ultimately determine the outcome.
This fixture carries immense psychological weight. A win would significantly boost either side’s title credentials, while defeat could severely dent hopes in what is shaping up to be one of the tightest championship races in recent memory.
At the top, Lijabatho and Lifofane remain deadlocked on 42 points. Any slip-up from the chasing pack could widen the gap; conversely, victory for Bantu or Lioli would dramatically tighten the race.
Saturday’s action at Bambatha begins at 12 noon with struggling Manonyane taking on Liphakoe in a relegation six-pointer, live on FIFA+. Manonyane are buoyed by their recent 1–1 draw against Lioli, a result that lifted them two points clear of both Maroala and Members. Only two points separate them from Liphakoe, making the clash critical in the survival battle.
At 14:00, Members face Matlama in another intriguing contest before the main event at 16:00 sees Bantu and Lioli go head-to-head, also live on FIFA+.
This marks the third triple-header initiative organised by the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC), aimed at boosting gate takings for clubs. PLMC spokesperson Moeketsi Ramakatsa noted that experience has shown double or triple headers generate stronger attendance compared to single fixtures.
Sunday Fixtures, the action continues on Sunday with:
Lijabatho vs LDF (Morija, 16:00)
Majantja vs LCS (Sebatana Russell Technical Centre, 16:00)
LU FC vs LMPS (Ratjomose, 14:00) – Live on FIFA+
Machokha vs Lifofane (Ratjomose, 16:30) – Live on FIFA+
Linare vs Maroala (LCS Ground, 16:00)
Summary
- All roads lead to Bambatha this weekend as Bantu FC and Lioli FC renew their long-standing rivalry in what promises to be the headline act of the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) triple header.
- Only a single point separates the two bitter rivals, and both remain within touching distance of leaders Lijabatho and Lifofane, who are locked at the summit with 42 points apiece, separated only by goal difference.
- Lioli have had the upper hand in recent encounters, defeating Bantu twice last season 2–0 in the first round and 3–1 in the return leg.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
