Moorosi Tsiane

BATTLE lines have been drawn as Lioli and LCS clash in the first leg of the LNIG Top8 quarterfinal at Maputsoe DIFA Ground this afternoon.

Lioli, who have already bagged the Independence Top4 this season, will be hoping for positive results today and edge closer to their second trophy.

LCS, on the other hand, have set their eyes on the Premier League title and seat second on the log, three points behind leaders Matlama.

But LCS coach Mpitsa Marai told the Sunday Express that they are going all out in the hunt for the LNIG Top8 trophy when they meet Lioli to break their eight-year trophy drought.

“We are playing one of the biggest teams in our league and the worst part is that they are currently enjoying a great form while on the other hand, we are coming into this match after a poor run losing one and drawing one in the last two matches,” Marai said.

“But we have been hard at work getting the team in shape for this important encounter.”

Marai said they would approach the game differently since it is a coup game.

“Cup matches are different and don’t be surprised on Sunday (today) when you see a different ball game between these two teams on the day.

“The challenge now will be our players’ morale on the day and we need to ensure that they are in high spirits because that is the only way we can beat Lioli.

“We are also chasing the league title, which is still within reach, so the most important issue again will be how we juggle our players in these two tournaments and maintain a balance,” Marai said.

For his part, Lioli coach Lehlohonolo Thotanyana said they would go into the match with only a win in mind to enhance their chances of going all the way.

“We would have liked to make it a clean sweep but the league title is already out of our reach so the target is to win this last cup because we have already won one this season.

“The preparations have been going on well and the players are ready for the match,” Thotanyana said.

Thotanyana said they are aware that LCS will not be push overs and are ready to give them the respect they deserve.

“LCS is a big team so we are expecting a tough match and we are ready. The only challenge now is that two of my players Tumelo Makha and Stephen Eyong are doubtful for the match as they picked injuries in our mid-week practice match against Lifofane.”

The first match of the two in Maputsoe will see Kick4Life locking horns with LDF in their desperate move to win their trophy since their promotion into the Premier League four seasons ago.

LDF, on the other hand, will be seeking to end their 10-year trophy drought.