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

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Lesotho Premier League returns


Matlama's Nkau Lerotholi (left) and
LDF's Thabo Mphethe
The Vodacom Premier League returns this weekend after two-week break for the Independence Cup and international matches. The pick of the games is the matchup between rivals LCS and LDF on Sunday, a clash between the league’s champion and runner-up for the past two seasons.

Both come into the match on the back of disappointment in the Independence Cup. Both were beaten by eventual winners Bantu – LDF in the semis and Masheshena in the final.

After an inauspicious start, drawing 2-2 with Joy, LCS have gone on to win three consecutive matches to open up a three-point lead at the top of the league. LDF, on the other hand, have made a solid if unspectacular beginning and lie third in the league with seven points, three behind LCS.

Two-time defending champions LCS have won four league titles in the last six seasons. Even at this early stage, a win over Sohle-Sohle would lay down the gauntlet for the rest of the season. That said, one of Masheshena’s two league defeats last season came at the hands of LDF, at Ratjomose.

The match will be the second of a double header at Ratjomose. In the earlier game, Linare face struggling LMPS. Simunye are the only side in the league without a win while Linare are second after scoring eight goals in their opening four games.

On Saturday, newly-promoted Nyenye Rovers and Qoaling Highlanders face Likhopo and Lioli respectively while Matlama host Joy at Pitso Ground.

In Sunday’s other match, recently crowned Independence Cup champions Bantu host Mpharane Celtic. A Matšo Matebele have made a slow start to the season and lie in 10th place. They will be looking to kick-start their league campaign on the back of their morale-boosting cup triumph.

Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, 20 October
Nyenye Rovers v Likhopo (St Michaels, 15:00), Matlama v Joy (Pitso Ground, 15:30), Lioli v Qoaling Highlanders (Lioli Stadium, 15:30)
Sunday, 21 October
Bantu v Mpharane Celtic (Mafeteng, 15:00), LMPS v Linare (Ratjomose, 13:30), LDF v LCS (Ratjomose, 15:30)

Vodacom Premier League


P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
LCS
4
3
1
0
7
4
3
10
2
Linare
4
2
1
1
8
4
4
7
3
LDF
4
2
1
1
6
3
3
7
4
Lioli
4
2
1
1
4
2
2
7
5
Likhopo
4
2
0
2
5
4
1
6
6
Nyenye Rovers
4
1
2
1
4
5
-1
5
7
Joy
4
1
2
1
9
11
-2
5
8
Qoaling Highlanders
4
1
1
2
5
7
-2
4
9
Matlama *
3
2
0
1
5
3
2
3
10
Bantu
3
1
0
2
6
6
0
3
11
Mpharane Celtic
4
1
0
3
4
10
-6
3
12
LMPS
4
0
1
3
0
4
-4
1
* Matlama docked 3 points

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