MASERU —Premier league giants Lioli and Linare will renew their rivalry when they clash in Hlotse this afternoon.
Both teams have had a promising start to the new league campaign with two wins in three matches.
Lioli starlet Tšepo Seturumane and Linare midfield maestro Pali Tšalong lead the premier league goal scoring charts with three goals each and will be the main attractions for today’s game. Newly appointed Lioli coach, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, is confident his team will recover from last week’s 1-2 loss to LCS and put their impressive start to the new league campaign back on track.
“It’s a big game because both teams originate from the northern part of the country and our hope is to do well and come out on top at the end of the game,” said Thotanyana. “The players’ mentality is good. They have responded positively, playing according to the rules of our playing style, which is to play the ball and enjoy possession,” he said.
Thotanyana said he is going for today’s game without injury or suspension worries. A lot will once again be expected from the experienced Likuena midfield duo of Bushy Moletsane and Motlalepula Mofolo to help Tse Nala register their third win of the season.
For Linare coach Tholu “Magic Touch” Leboela, today’s game will be a baptism of fire for his team which is hoping to end the thirty-two-year wait for the league title. “It’s a derby game with big expectations from the two sets of supporters, but I’m confident the home ground advantage will help us get the three full points,”said Leboela.
Leboela will be hoping that his top goal scorer and red hot Tšalong will continue with his scoring form.
“I’m happy with the commitment from the players, so far, so good.
“It is really difficult to single out one player because we have been playing as a team,” he said. Veteran midfielder Moses Ramafole has also stood out among the star performers for Linare and will be hoping to put up a fine performance against his former club Lioli.
In-form, Mabuti Potloane, is another player who will give the Lioli defence a headache in today’s encounter.
The attacking midfielder has already registered two goals in the new campaign and will be hoping to increase his tally. Elsewhere, league rookies Nyenye Rovers welcome second-placed LDF in Maputsoe.
Rovers shocked premier league giants Matlama with a 2-1 win last Sunday and will be hoping to cause another upset against the army outfit.
Mpharane Celtic host premier league new boys Qoaling Highlanders in Khukhune in another interesting battle of the smaller clubs. The Qoaling team have had a promising start to life in the bigger league beating Likhopo.
They occupy position six on the log.
Today’s premier
league fixtures
Linare v Lioli
Nyenye Rovers v LDF
Mpharane Celtic
v Qoaling Highlanders
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