Quote of the week

“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you're not, pretend you are.” – Muhammad Ali

Thursday, April 28, 2016

ThrowbackThursday - LCS’s title triumph in 2011

LCS coach Sello "Ribbo" Ramakau is lifted high by LCS players and
staff after Masheshena's league win in 2011
Matlama and Lioli meet in a possible title decider on Saturday at Setsoto Stadium. The two teams are level at the top of the Vodacom Premier League on 52 points and are only separated by goal difference.

Five seasons ago there was a similar situation. In fact, that year the two contenders, LCS and LDF, met on the final day of the season in a winner-takes-all match. The game was played at LDF’s Ratjomose home ground on May 29, 2011.

LCS held the advantage on goal difference meaning LDF had to win to capture the title. Masheshena only needed a draw.

Both teams went into the game in scintillating form. LCS had won 13 of their previous 16 games, scoring 35 goals and conceding just nine. Sohle-Sohle, on the other hand, had won eight of nine matches heading into the finale, scoring 20 goals.

LCS coach Sello “Ribbo” Ramakau was a confident man ahead of the game.

“We are not going to play those long balls; that is their style. We are going to play it on the ground. They are very defensive so we are going to pin them in their half.” Ramakau said. “(Their counter-attacks) will only happen if we all go forward; we have to make sure three players stay behind to cover. But we will make them defend because of our approach.”

As expected, with the stakes so high, the match was a tense affair with few clear-cut chances.

The sides couldn’t be separated for over an hour and with LDF starting to try and force the game, they were caught with a sucker punch by Thulo Ranchobe in the 78th minute.

Now LDF needed two goals to win the title and they duly pushed forward. Tšepo Keketsi gave Sohle-Sohle hope with an 85th minute goal.

However, Masheshena held on to win their first title since 2008. They would go on to defend the title the following season under current Lioli coach Mosholi Mokhothu after Ramakau stepped down following this success.

It was an enjoyable afternoon as a large crowed came out to watch the game creating an entertaining atmosphere. When it was all over Ramakau was paraded in victory by his LCS team. #TBT

May 29, 2011
Vodacom Premier League
LDF 1-1 LCS
Goals: Thulo Ranchobe (LCS, 78th minute), Tšepo Keketsi (LDF, 85th minute)

Final Table 2010/11
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts.
C
LCS
26
15
10
1
43
17
26
55
2
LDF
26
16
7
3
39
19
20
55
3
Bantu
26
14
6
6
36
23
13
48
4
Linare
26
12
8
6
37
24
13
44
5
Matlama
26
10
10
6
27
18
9
41
6
LMPS
26
10
8
8
34
28
6
38
7
Likhopo
26
10
7
9
26
27
-1
37
8
Lioli
26
9
9
8
26
22
4
36
9
Maduma
26
9
9
8
31
33
-2
36
10
Joy
26
8
9
9
24
24
0
33
11
Mphatlalatsane
26
4
11
11
29
37
-8
23
12
Lerotholi
26
6
5
15
17
34
-17
23
13
Swallows
26
2
7
17
15
42
-27
13
14
Mabeoana
26
1
6
19
13
49
-36
9

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