By Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Hlotse giants, Linare, began the new season in style when they crushed LMPS 3-0 in a league match at the LCS ground in Maseru yesterday.
Linare, who are without a major title for over three decades, started the better of the two sides as star captain, Mabuti Potloane, and Letsoko Leboela dictated the pace of the game in midfield.
Leboela, who is the son of Linare coach and legend, Thulo Leboela, was the star man for the team as Linare won the pre-season King’s Charity Cup.
Yesterday he was again in impressive form against LMPS especially in the first half.
Tse Tala, as Linare are affectionately known, had numerous chances to go into the lead within the opening minutes of the game.
Hard working striker, Moorosi Tšiu, was the danger man every time his team was in possession of the ball.
The opening goal finally came midway through the first half after speedy winger, Napo Sehloho, was brought down inside the penalty box leaving referee Makhobalo Letsie with no choice but to point to the penalty spot.
Tšepo Thejane stepped up and beat LMPS goalkeeper Pule Tente for the opening goal of the match.
The two teams headed to the half-time break with Linare leading by a single goal despite the numerous chances they created.
Both coaches did not ring chances in the opening 10 minutes of the second half as Linare continued with their dominance.
Diminutive winger, Peter Tale, seemed to be the main threat for the police side who were without a number of their key players who are representing the country in a police tournament for Southern African countries in Namibia.
Linare were awarded another penalty after Potloane was brought down inside the box.
Newly signed Lebajoa Mosehlanyane stepped up and also successfully scored past Tente to open his account for his new club in a competitive match.
Sehloholo completed the route with 15 minutes to go as he scored Linare’s third goal after a good interchange of play with his teammates.
Linare coach, Thulo Leboela, told this paper that he is a happy man after a dream start to the season. “We are all happy that we managed to get a convincing win over LMPS in our opening fixture,” Leboela said.
The former Linare midfield maestro said he hopes his side will end their long drought for major trophies.
LMPS coach, Lelia Makubakube, said he had no complaints after his side were comprehensively outclassed by Linare.
“We lost and there is nothing to complain about. We lost to a better team and should accept the defeat,” Makubakube said.
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