Leemisa Thuseho
LIPHAKOE coach, Mpitsa Marai, is banking on a better showing from his side in the 2022/23 Vodacom Premier League season.
And the side’s performance after the first two games has given him hope that this will be a better season.
Marai said this after Liphakoe beat Manonyane 2-1 at LCS Ground last weekend.
Joseph Boateng and Basia Letuka scored for Liphakoe while Tsotang Malesela scored for Manonyane.
Liphakoe were on the back of 2-2 draw with Galaxy the previous week.
Last season, Liphakoe had a poor run finishing 10th. Scoring goals was one of the team’s biggest challenges last season, and the evidence is in the numbers. Apart from the now relegated Sefotha-Fotha (15 goals), Liphakoe had the lowest tally of just 17 after 30 games.
To make matters worse, the side at one time went for 12 games without scoring.
But Marai is confident that his charges have turned the corner after scoring four goals in two matches.
However, he said they were still working to improve the side’s cohesion after bringing new players during the off-season.
“I think we have started well, and we now have hope,” Marai said.
“Last season, we were struggling to score although we also conceded a few goals.
“However, I am confident that those problems are now in the past although it is not going to be easy to master everything as quickly as we need to. Nevertheless, with time, we will get there.”
Among its notable signings, Liphakoe have acquired former LCS player Makara Ntaitsane, who was among the league’s top goal scorers last season with 18 goals. He was behind the golden boot winner, Katleho Makateng, who had 20 goals.
They also signed experienced midfielder, Seperiti Malefane, from LCS.
The Quthing outfit has also signed Ghanaian striker, Boateng, from Lifofane, Michael Kanguite from Lijabatho and Phillip O’Brien from Lioli.
At the back, the team signed Letuka from Lioli.