Teboho Molapo
MASERU — Likhopo coach Bishop Molatoli has blasted premier league referees accusing them of being biased against his team.
Molatoli said he was disappointed by the referee’s performance during his side’s 1-0 home loss to Nyenye Rovers in a Premier League match last month.
Molatoli says that Likhopo’s record last season — the side were one of the sides with the most fouls — means that match officials are biased against Likhopo.
“Referees go into the game with prejudgment that ‘this is Bishop’s team, because they are Bishop’s team they will be rough’. Referees discuss players before games. That is killing our football,” Molatoli told the Sunday Express.
“Every team is complaining about referees right now,” he said.
Likhopo are known for their physical approach to the game.
“Yes we are physical but it doesn’t mean that referees should discuss the team and players beforehand,” Molatoli said. “You can’t run a game that way.”
Molatoli was speaking ahead of Likhopo’s league clash with Lerotholi today, which if results go their way could see Likhopo claim the top spot on the log.
After a solid start to the season Likhopo find themselves fourth in the Premier League, three points behind log leaders Matlama.
Molatoli has previously said he believes his side could win the league and he reiterated the point this week.
“Like I’ve said I don’t think there is a team that is better than the rest this season all the teams are at the same level,” Molatoli said.
Lerotholi beat LDF in their last game and Molatoli said he was expecting a close.
“We are going there to win (but) it will be a tough game,” Molatoli said.
Meanwhile, in other games today league leaders Matlama face Majantja in Mohale’s Hoek.
Matlama climbed to the top of the league last week after they were awarded three points and three goals for their fixture against Swallows that was abandoned three weeks ago.
Third-placed LDF play Butha-Buthe Roses at Ratjomose.