Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Vodacom premier league big guns Lioli and Likhopo will renew their rivalry at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon as the fight for the title intensifies.
Likhopo team manager, Qamako Mahao, described the match as the “mother of all wars”. His team is enjoying a good vein of form and might derail Lioli’s league title hopes.
“A match between Lioli and Likhopo is always entertaining and also the fact Lioli is in the race for the league title while we want to finish inside the top four will make it even more exciting,” Mahao said.
“They are a good side, no doubt about it, but we also want to maintain our good form since recovering from off-the field challenges.”
He said a win over Lioli will boost their chances of ending the campaign in a respectable position.
“The competition for the top four places is very tough at the moment and we do not want to lose the momentum because it will be a huge challenge to get the spirit of the team back where it is today,” said Mahao.
Lioli coach, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, also told the Sunday Express that his team has to double their efforts if they are to come out on top in today’s tie.
“It is going to be a tough match as we are in the race for the league title while they have been getting results to finish inside the top four teams in the league,” Thotanyana said.
The Lioli mentor said injuries to some of his key players are giving him sleepless nights.
Star midfielder, Motlalepula Mofolo, suffered a knee injury in the top-of-the-table clash against Bantu three weeks ago and missed last Sunday’s goalless draw against Matlama.
Thotanyana said their top goal scorer, Tšepo Seturumane, is also doubtful for the encounter against Likhopo.
“Injuries to the key players have hampered our progress in the race for the league title, but we will have to soldier on with what we have for the game,” said Thotanyana.
“We have to win all the remaining games to stand a good chance of winning the championship,” he said.
Elsewhere, Sea Point giants, Matlama, will be searching for their first win of the second round when they host improving LMPS.
Tse Putsoa have been held to two successive draws since being cleared to continue with their league activities, but is still among the teams involved in the relegation dogfight at the bottom of the league table and badly need points against the police side.
Today’s Vodacom premier league fixtures:
Matlama v LMPS
Joy v Mpharane Celtic
Likhopo v Lioli
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