. . . as Matlama, LMPS lock horns

Mikia Kalati

A POTENTIALLY explosive Vodacom Premier League encounter is in the offing today as Matlama take on LMPS at LCS Ground.

Both teams head into the match high on confidence having collected maximum points in their opening matches of the current league campaign.

Tse Putsoa defeated premiership newcomers Butha Buthe Warriors while LMPS registered the biggest scalp by defeating defending league champions Lioli.

Matlama coach Moses Maliehe this week told Sunday Express that his side was aiming for consistency in order to challenge for the league title.

“We want to make progress but it is too early to talk about the league championship,” Maliehe said.

“A number of teams including LMPS had a good start to the new season, but it’s only after six games that we can talk about the in-form teams. We are not yet where we want to be as players just came out of a tough pre-season training programme.”

Maliehe who is also interim coach of the senior national team Likuena said they were gunning for three points as they had learnt the lesson from last season’s season second-place finish it was important to collect maximum points right from the start.

“Management worked very hard to improve our squad so we can compete better this season. For example, we now have four goalkeepers compared to just two last season.”

Maliehe’s LMPS counterpart Mosito Matela said his side was not getting carried away after beating Lioli a fortnight ago.

“We take every game as it comes and know that Matlama are a big side,” Matela said.

“We know that we will have to give them the respect they deserve but at the same time give them a run for their money on the field of play,” the LMPS mentor said.

Matela who previously worked at Bantu said he was looking forward to reaping the rewards of hard work during pre-season.

“As a coach my mandate is to compete better than the previous season. We want a top four or eight finish so the challenge is to ensure consistency.

“Joining the club before they started pre-season was very important for me as a coach and I look forward to a successful season. So far I’m happy with how things are going and we are on the right track,” he said.

Sunday league fixtures:

Sky Battalion v Sundawana

Linare v LCS

Matlama v LMPS

Rovers v Liphakoe