This could be LDF’s season…

Ausi Tholoana

The Football Guru

I really think this season could be LDF’s time. They have always been there challenging for the title, coming so close but not winning. Three second place finishes in four seasons says it all really and also perhaps points to their lack of luck in recent seasons. But I believe this could be their season.

They have already started very well. Ten points from a possible 12 in a season where it’s going to be difficult to gain points – as the early weeks have already shown.

One advantage LDF have is that their style is very simple. A lot of teams are still trying to find their feet so to speak and trying to refine their style. You can say that about Lioli, Bantu, Matlama, Linare and maybe even LCS. They are all still finding their combinations and adjusting to the fact there are only 12 teams in the premiership this season.

With LDF we know what to expect and nothing has changed. Furthermore, coach Motheo Mohapi is in his second full season since his return and the team understand his tactics well now. Plus LDF just don’t lost at home, one defeat at Ratjomose in the past 16 months is no mean feat.

Lioli are looking very good – the first time since the 2009/10 season that they really look confident. They were totally dominant against LCS last Saturday. But the fundamental problem with Lioli remains and that is the ability to score. That’s why they lost 2-0 to the champions. Lioli have always been lacking that goal-hunter, someone like Thabane Rankara for example. In 2009 Lioli were able to win the league through talent. Bushy Moletsane and Sello ‘Muso were combining and they had that fear factor. Lehlohonolo Shabba Mpopo was also helping a lot with goals, 13 of them to be exact, even though he was playing on the wing. Then there was Congo Malebanye as well.

Then it was a whole huge momentum of the fans and Ty as a whole trying to get that league title for the first time in 24 years. It was a crescendo, a force of nature.  But yes. Lioli don’t have a goal hunter and that’s what they lack and they haven’t addressed this problem well enough in the off-season. It’s a similar story for Bantu. Bantu have great players but don’t have a reliable goalscorer. Both teams will win their fair share of matches but because of that frailty upfront I doubt they will win the league.

Linare is not too stable at the moment unfortunately. And Matlama is worse. There is quality at Matlama even with the departure of Litšepe Marabe. But there is no stability. I can’t see them challenging.

LCS are LCS. They know how to win. They will be LDF’s closest challengers. But we should remember Masheshena also have the Champions League in January which will be a distraction.

My tip this season is LDF. This could be their year.