Leemisa Thuseho
ECONET Premier League (EPL) defending champions Matlama FC yesterday eased to 2-0 victory over LDF at Setsoto Stadium.
Phafa Tšosane’s free kick just outside the box saw Matlama take the lead on the 25th.
LDF, who are back from a-two-week sick leave, failed to respond and did not pose any serious threat to the home team.
In the 37th minute, Matlama came close to doubling the lead but Mabuti Potloane missed a one on one chance after Teboho Ratibisi grabbed the ball off his feet.
Just before the break, Jane Thabantšo converted a spot kick and gave his side a comfortable 2-0 lead.
No matter how much LDF tried to fight back in the second half, they lacked the spark to cause harm their opponents.
So bad was their form that they even missed a spot kick after Ramalefane Monaheng saved Koete Mohloai’s effort.
The two side will renew their rivalry when they clash in the 2019 Independence Top4 Cup at Setsoto Stadium.
Matlama coach Charles Manda said that they knew LDF would come hard on them considering that they had lost their last match against Lifofane.
“I told my boys to secure the ball and play the game; we tried to unsettle them with a quick goal and it worked,” Manda said.
“After losing to Lifofane, we went back to work on our finishing and today we scored twice.
“We also worked on our midfield because we were losing shape when we played Lifofane and that allowed them to attack.”
Manda said the Top4 games would be different hence he would plan differently.
LDF coach Motheo Mohapi believes his boys played well but were heavily affected by the diarrhoea that they recently suffered.
“We played well but made a few mistakes; we missed our chances and missed a penalty. That means LDF must sign strikers to reinforce our attack,” Mohapi said.