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| Tse Nala marching forwards... Lioli fans enjoy their team's start |
A super start; that’s the
only way to describe Lioli’s beginning to the season. Lesotho
What
has impressed most about Tse Nala has
been how comprehensive their wins have been. Granted, Lioli hasn’t yet faced a
championship-calibre opponent, but they have still scored 15 goals in four matches,
conceding only twice.
In
their wins over Mpharane Celtic, Qoaling Highlanders, Likhopo and Joy they have
exuded the swagger of champions, raising the question; who can stop Lioli?
Some eyebrows were raised
by Lioli’s spending spree in the off-season. In total, Lioli signed eight
players – the most of any club – to add to what was already a championship
winning squad.
Were
Lioli tinkering too much with a winning formula? Well, so far Lioli’s spending spree
has been fully vindicated. The new signings have ensured no complacency has
crept in, competition for places has elevated and, of course, squad depth has
been improved.
This
was evidenced last weekend. With star-man Motlalepula Mofolo out with an injury,
fellow Likuena international Bushy Moletsane stepped in to help Tse Nala cruise to a 3-1 win over Joy.
Pretty impressive.
Bantu are the side widely
considered to be Lioli’s real challengers for the league title. After four
games, A Matšo Matebele lie in fourth
place after a decent start of eight points from a possible 12.
Last
Sunday, Bantu did notch an impressive 1-0 away win over Linare. However, such
is Lioli’s electric pace, it seems Bantu cannot afford any more slip-ups at
all, even at this early stage.
As
always, LDF are there in the mix. They are third, two points behind Lioli. But,
they were held to a goalless draw by Mphatlalatsane last time out, a first sign
this season of what is become their perpetual problem – lack of firepower.
Being Matlama
Behind
Lioli in second is Matlama, and they only trail the champions on goal
difference. It seems the old adage is very true: when Matlama are in turmoil is
when they are the most dangerous. Tse
Putsoa, it shouldn’t be forgotten, are still in the midst of pending court cases
and still have to elect a new committee. Nevertheless, this seems to have only
served to galvanise the team, as usual.
Under
the caretaker stewardship of former players, Sello Seholoholo and Lehlohonolo
Mokhele, Matlama have thrived so far, and have realistic chance of ending the
weekend on top, thanks to Lioli’s tougher assignment against Linare.
One
of the keys to their surprise revival has been the signing of several club
icons, Pali Tšalong and Tefo Maipato being the foremost. However, it is the
young genius of Phafa Tšosane that continues to burn brightest at Pitso Ground.
His midfield wizardry is key to Matlama’s renaissance and, with Nkau Lerotholi
again sturdy in defence, this run could last a while yet.
The Surprise boys
Qoaling
Highlanders have made an excellent start to the season. They lie in fifth with
seven points. Their main transfer business was the resigning of Lesotho
Newly-promoted
Mphatlalatsane are sixth and more of surprise than Highlanders having taken to the
top-flight like a fish to water. Although it is still early, Linaleli’s start is a promising one.
 |
| The Rock... Matlama defender Nkau Lerotholi (left) on the job against LDF |
The Relegation boys?
It’s
looking bad for Joy. Last Sunday’s defeat to Lioli was their fourth in a row.
They have already suffered a 9-0 loss to Bantu this season and after the loss
of their two best players (Jeremia Kamela and Basia Makepe joined Lioli in the
off-season) it is difficult to see how, when and where they will turn the
corner.
Things
are already similarly bleak for fellow Leribe side Mpharane Celtic and newly-promoted
Melele.
However, so far it’s all
about Lesotho
Vodacom Premier League fixtures and
results:
Vodacom Premier League
P
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
Pts
|
||
1
|
Lioli
|
4
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
15
|
2
|
+13
|
12
|
2
|
Matlama
|
4
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
8
|
2
|
+6
|
12
|
3
|
LDF
|
4
|
3
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
1
|
+4
|
10
|
4
|
Bantu
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
10
|
0
|
+10
|
8
|
5
|
Qoaling Highlanders
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
+0
|
7
|
6
|
Mphatlalatsane
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
+0
|
7
|
7
|
LCS
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
+2
|
6
|
8
|
Linare
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
+1
|
6
|
9
|
Nyenye Rovers
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
-1
|
4
|
10
|
Likhopo
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
4
|
-2
|
4
|
11
|
LMPS
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
7
|
-5
|
1
|
12
|
Melele
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
9
|
-6
|
1
|
13
|
Mpharane Celtic
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
11
|
-9
|
1
|
14
|
Joy
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
1
|
14
|
-13
|
0
|
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