Lioli off to flyer, Matlama off to a surpriser

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’s defending champions have flown out of the starting blocks with four wins from four games to lead the Vodacom Premier League with 12 points going into this weekend’s action.

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 youth international Tšeliso Ramathe from Matlama and he has been a star so far. Veteran striker Paballo Mpakanyane’s presence also cannot be understated. Highlanders are a close-knit unit that look likely to surprise further as the season progresses.

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’s two most popular clubs – Lioli and Matlama. And for the sake of the league’s entertainment value, hopefully they will scrap it out at the top for a long time yet.

Vodacom Premier League fixtures and results:

http://molaposportscentre.blogspot.com/p/lesotho-premier-league.html

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