Chris Theko
Log leaders Matlama say they ready to extend their lead on the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) table as they take-on underdogs Swallows whom they will not be taking for granted on Sunday at the Maputsoe DiFA stadium.
Matlama defender Lisema Lebokolane warned against taking the so-called smaller teams for granted in any games, saying even though they are better-positioned than any team to be this season’s champions, it would be foolhardy to relax because that could be their downfall.
Most of the so-called small teams have proven lately that they are not to be taken for granted as they are capable of being a problem and cause upsets.
We must not and we are definitely not going to take Swallows for granted at all because that will be a big mistake,Lebokollane said.
In their last game, Matlama won 2-0 against a resilient Kick4Life to consolidate their grip on the top spot of the log standings on December 18, 2021.
The Blue Army, as Matlama is affectionately known, is currently leading the VPL log table with 44 points out of 18 games played having won 14, drew two and lost two but have played a game more than their closest rivals and defending champions Bantu.
Bantu has played 17 games, won 12, drew two, lost two and have managed to secure 38 points.
Lebokollane stated that theirs is to focus on winning every game and not worry much about their closest rivals, saying the team is determined to lift the title at the end of the season.
We have not played for some time now but we will be looking to not allow that to get in the way because even our opponents have not had game time for a while now.
The team is still working hard and looking in good shape, we have no injuries and that is good for us going into the match against Swallows, said Lebokollane.
Meanwhile, opponents, Swallows is one place above rock bottom Sefothafotha. The Mazenod-based side has had a tough 2020/21 season with just two wins out of 18 games played. They drew four, lost twelve and have only managed to secure 10 points.
The team has barely been out of the relegation zone this season due to their poor performance.
In other fixtures this weekend, LDF takes on Lioli at Ratjomose Ground, while Linare will lock horns with an unpredictable Manaonyane at Maputsoe while Lifofane hosts Sefothafotha at the same venue on Saturday with Kick4Life face-off against LCS.
On Sunday, LCS hosts Bantu at LCS, LMPS will visit Lijabatho in Morija while CCX take on Liphakoe at LAC.
