Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Premier league rookies Qoaling Highlanders’ coach, Wright Mofoka, is confident his team can upset giants Matlama during the two team’s premier league opener at Lesotho Correctional Service ground this afternoon.
“It’s a big game for us as the team is making their return to the top flight league after years in the lower divisions,” Mofoka said.
“There is no doubt that Matlama remain among the giants in the premier league despite losing many of their key players in the off-season,” he said.
“We will be underdogs for today’s game, but we are hopeful of giving them a run for their money.”
Mofoka said they have been working hard to rectify last weekend’s mistakes that saw them lose to both Matlama and Bantu in the pre-season tournament played at Setsoto Stadium.
The Qoaling-based outfit have former Matlama trio of Hlomelang Theko, Tšeliso Ramathe and Bafokeng Ntšohi all hoping to prove a point against their former club.
Matlama communications and marketing manager, Lesolle Phalatsi, told the Sunday Express that their team remain a force to be reckoned despite losing a number of their stars in the off-season.
Last season’s top goal scorer and midfield maestro, Pali Tšalong, has moved to Linare, while Dlomo Monaphathi and Thapelo Mokhehle have joined Bantu.
Tse Putsoa also lost gifted utility defender Tšoanelo Koetle to rivals Lioli.
Phalatsi said losing big name stars is nothing new to Matlama and they trust their youthful squad led by hard-tackling defender Nkau Lerotholi will make them proud in the league campaign.
Former Likuena first choice goalkeeper, Lerata Tšalong, has made a solid start in the blue and white of Matlama.
The goal minder has made a return to football after a shooting accident a few years ago that nearly ended his playing career.
Tšalong was the hero in last weekend’s matches, saving penalties against Lioli to help Matlama win the four-team tourney.
Elsewhere, premier league newcomers Nyenye Rovers open their campaign against star-studded Bantu in Maputsoe.
Another interesting encounter in Hlotse will see Linare host Likhopo.
Both teams have reinforced their playing squad with interesting acquisitions.
Former Lioli ‘bad-boy’ Sello ‘Muso is back in the red and white of childhood club Likhopo, along with the likes of Thapelo Tale and Lehlomela Ramabele who has joined from Botswana Defence Force.
In another league match, premier league champions LCS begin their title defence against Joy in Hlotse.
Today’s premier league matches
Mpharance Celtic v LDF
Joy v LCS
Linare v Likhopo
Nyenye Rovers v Bantu
Highlander’s v Matlama
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