LDF out to stop Lioli

Moorosi Tsiane

LDF will be gunning for their first win of the season this afternoon when they face Lioli in a highly anticipated Vodacom Premier League match at PTC Ground.

The army side come into the match sitting in seventh position on the 14-team league table following three consecutive draws against Mphatlalatsane, Bantu and Likhopo.

On the other hand, Lioli wade into the tie motivated after their three straight wins against Sundawana, Linare and LMPS, respectively.

LDF coach Motheo Mohapi on Friday told the Sunday Express the three stalemates were now water under the bridge and his charges would be going for a win against the defending league champions this afternoon.

“This is a new game and the approach will be different,” Mohapi said. “We will be out for maximum points against Lioli and nothing else.”

Sohle-Sohle, as LDF are affectionately known, have not beaten Lioli for the past two seasons but Mohapi said it was time Tse Nala’s dominance ended.

“History is history and it will always be there, but we have to change that track record. I know Lioli are a good side but we are also desperate for those points,” he said.

“It is important for us to win this match to boost the players’ confidence after a poor start to the season.”

On the other hand, Lioli coach, Mosholu Mokhothu on Friday said it was important for his players to maintain their winning streak.

“I have seen my players this week during our sessions; the spirit is high and we will be out for our fourth, straight win against LDF. I know it is not going to be easy for us but we have set ourselves a goal as technical team and players that we must at least win 10 matches (of the 13 fixtures) in first round so that we won’t be under so much pressure when we take part in the African Champions League next year,” Mokhothu said.

“Besides the Champions League, we also have domestic knockout tournaments we will be participating in so it is important that we win these matches to be on the safe side.”

Mokhothu also told the Sunday Express he was aware every team plays them highly motivated to break their winning streak.

“We don’t have any easy matches because every team wants to beat us and end our winning run. But we will not let that happen and our players understand the importance of winning every match,” said Mokhothu.

However, the Lioli coach said he was concerned that they no longer have home-advantage because they no longer play in their hometown of TY.

“We were using Setsoto as our home-ground because our stadium in TY is under reconstruction. Unfortunately, it looks like we will never enjoy home-ground advantage because our match this weekend has been moved to PTC. I was a bit disappointed when I heard this but my boys will still fight and hopefully, take those three points.”

In other league matches scheduled for today, LMPS take on LCS at PTC in the second of a double-header that also includes Lioli and LDF, while Kick4Life  welcome rookies Liphakoe at Old Europa.