Teboho Molapo
LCS…………….(1) 2
Lerotholi………(0) 0
MASERU — LCS won their third straight home league match when they beat a fighting Lerotholi outfit 2-0 at the Central Prisons yesterday.
Goals from Lieta Lehloka and Ralekoti Mokhahlane were enough to add Lerotholi to Roma Rovers and Swallows to LCS’s recent home victims.
But regardless of the result, Motanya will undoubtedly wish Father Christmas brings his side the panache Masheshena once boasted when playing at the Central Prisons.
Yesterday’s display was another uninspiring one against a weaker league side and LCS were made to huff and puff, in the afternoon heat.
But Motanya will surely be delighted Lerotholi goalkeeper Tlali Potsane decided to hold his own personal audition to be Lesotho’s Santa Claus when — in the 88th minute — he let LCS midfielder Mokhahlane’s speculative long-range shot, squirm through his legs into the net when the game was finely poised at 1-0.
Up till then, Lerotholi had recovered from Lehloka’s 21st minute opener to subdue their hosts and occasionally threaten, but Potsane’s gaff killed-off any hopes Lihale had of returning to Fokothi with any festive cheer.
Credit has to go to substitute Mokhahlane for taking a shot at goal when his teammates seemed determined to walk the ball into the net.
“I think we played well,” LCS gaffer Motanya said after the match.
“The biggest thing was to win; I don’t mind the performance.”
The result was the perfect tonic for Masheshena, after losing 0-4 to Bantu last week and ideal preparation ahead of today’s derby with LDF.
“Our backline marked very well and (Moitheri) Ntobo made a difference. It was our plan to put in Ralekoti late-on in the second half because he is different from (Refiloe) Potse and I am pleased with this win,” Motanya added.
But for Lerotholi — who are winless in seven league matches — it’s back to the drawing board.
Lerotholi mentor, Naleli Tšilo, said school commitments by his players, have played a part in the side’s recent slide.
“If you look at the team, it is always different and today we have suffered another injury,” Tšilo said.
“It is impossible to have consistency of performance without regular players (but) worrying is not going to fix anything.
The situation is out of my control; it doesn’t mean I am a bad coach,” he continued.
“As a coach, I have to stay positive about the next game because Swallows are not LCS. I will cross that bridge when I get to it,” Tšilo said.
Swallows will go into the game with confidence after they overcame Roma Rovers 2-1 in Mazenod in one of yesterday’s league matches.
Elsewhere, Matlama were held 1-1 by Mphatlalatsane in St Monicas while Lioli remained top of the league after a 2-0 win over Likhopo.
Yesterday’s results:
Lioli 2-0 Likhopo; LCS 2-0 Lerotholi; Linare 0-1 LDF; Swallows 2-1 Rovers; Nyenye Rovers 0-0 Bantu; Mphatlalatsane 1-1 Matlama; Joy 1-0 Majantja; Butha-Buthe Roses vs LMPS (not played)