Matlama’s winless streak continues 

. . . as Bantu beat Linare 

Leemisa Thuseho 

VODACOM Premier League (VPL) giants Matlama have extended their winless streak to the fourth consecutive game after playing to a goalless draw with Liphakoe at the Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena yesterday. 

Matlama have not won a single game since their 2-1 loss to Bantu on 20 December, 2025 at the same venue. 

Thereafter, they went on to play to a 1-all draw with Majantja at Sebatana Russel Technical Centre in Mohale’s Hoek on 7 January, 2025. 

Last Saturday they were held to a shock 1-all draw by league newbies, Members, still at Bambatha. 

Matlama yesterday clearly intended to score an early goal in the match with opportunities created in the first few minutes of the game.

However, experienced Liphakoe goalkeeper, Agente Pule, stood firm between the goal posts to keep Liphakoe in the game. 

Thereafter, Matlama seemed intent on playing from the back while Liphakoe sat back to absorb the pressure, banking on counter attacks. 

Goalscoring opportunities then became fewer for most of the first half until Matlama were awarded a penalty later in that half after the troublesome attacker, Nyolohelo Mahloane, was brought down in the box. 

Matlama senior defender, Rethabile Mokokoane, stood up and took the penalty kick but squandered the opportunity as Liphakoe goalkeeper Agente Pule pulled a brilliant save, earning him the Man of the Match title. 

While Liphakoe had their moments of brilliance in the second half, Matlama continued their dominance into the second half but could not get any goals. 

Matlama coach, Shalane Lehohla, was clearly upset with his team’s continued poor run. 

He said after the match they needed to reinforce their striking force, especially after losing their talisman, Jane Thabants’o, who recently joined rivals Lijabatho. 

“We played to a draw in three consecutive games and that is a sign that we need to work more on our attack,” Lehohla said.

“Although we did not score today, compared to previous games, the good thing is that we created chances even though we did not convert them. That is what we have to work on,” he said. 

He added that they had wanted to secure at least two strikers in this ongoing transfer window but?were hampered by the scarcity of strikers in local football. 

“We have wanted to reinforce our attack but that is not easy; our country does not produce enough strikers . . .So where will we get them If there is one, all the teams will be looking at him and that requires a lot of money.” 

Yesterday’s matches saw the return of Matlama attacker Nyolohelo Mahloane on loan from Maroala. The young forward played 90 minutes and Lehohla was impressed.  

“I am impressed with him (Nyolohelo). He is a rare talent with speed and skill; it is not easy to get strikers with such qualities in our league.” 

On his part, Liphakoe coach Tumane Lethakha was happy with an away draw against a team of Matlama’s calibre. 

“A point away is not bad, especially against a team of Matlama’s calibre,” Lethakha said. 

Lethakha believes he has done a lot to build a good team in the first round of the league. He nonetheless cried foul that the Quthing community (the home district for Liphakoe) as well as business people are not doing enough to support them, hence the team continues to lose good players to other teams. 

“We played well, given that this is not the same squad we were using in the first round . . .We have lost a number of good players who went for greener pastures in this transfer window. The support from the Quthing people is not enough.” 

Meanwhile, in another match, still at the Bambatha Ts’ita Sport Arena, Bantu edged Linare 2-1, thanks to Liteboho Mohloki and Motse Khiba’s goals. 

Linare’s lone goal came from Mofokeng Lebusa.