Matlama at risk of falling further behind

MASERU – Defending Vodacom Premier League champions Matlama are at risk of falling further down the pecking order in the table after yet another disappointing weekend.

Last Saturday, Matlama had the chance to redeem themselves against lowly Swallows but their misery deepened as they were forced to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw in Morija.

To get even that point, Matlama had to come from behind.

For Swallows, who now seem to have found their groove, it was a thrilling result and probably the best they could have hoped for prior to the game.

‘Tse Putsoa’ are now six points behind league leaders Bantu on the table.

Matlama’s next task is to take on second-placed Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) in what is set to be a titanic battle at Ha Ratjomose on Saturday.

The teams go into the game in contrasting form. Matlama haven’t won a game in five matches while LDF are undefeated in five.

Anything less than a victory for Matlama would extend their winless run to six games and it would also leave Halemakale Mahlaha without a win three games into the job.

Mahlaha replaced Mothobi Molebatsi as ‘Tse Putsoa’ coach just three weeks ago but given how impatient Matlama fans can be, one has to wonder how long they will tolerate subpar performances before turning on yet another coach.

At the moment, the champions are eighth on the log with 14 points from nine games

Unlike ‘Tse Putsoa’, LDF are yet to lose this season and are the only remaining undefeated team alongside Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).

They may have had a slow start to the season, but whatever Motheo Mohapi said to the boys seems to be working.

Although they have not scored many goals, only ten in nine games, what is impressive about LDF is their resilient defence that has only leaked two goals so far.

A victory for Matlama cannot be ruled out either despite odds being against them, but if their recent form is anything to go by, they will have to put up a better fight than they have done in their recent matches otherwise they risk extending what is already an embarrassing run of results.

It is reported Matlama players are still unhappy because they are yet to receive their salaries and bonuses for winning the league last season, something the club refuses to comment on.

Club management says the poor results are simply down to bad form.

In other games this weekend, Bantu also have a tough match against LMPS at PTC.

LMPS conceded a goal against Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) last weekend which was the first time they let in a goal this season.

LMPS will be a tough nut to crack for the league leaders.

Matlama’s last five games:
Swallows 2-2 Matlama
Matlama 1-2 Bantu
Lijabatho 1-0 Matlama
LCS 1-0 Matlama
Lifofane 0-0 Matlama
LDF’s last five games
CCX 0-2 LDF
Lijabatho 0-1 LDF
LDF 1-0 Swallows
LDF 0-0 Bantu
LCS 0-0 LDF

Weekend fixtures:
Saturday (15:00)
Lioli vs. CCX (Lioli Ground)
Matlama vs. LDF (LDF Ground)
LCS vs. Liphakoe (LCS Ground)
LMPS vs. Bantu (PTC)

Sunday
Lifofane vs. Machokha (Butha-Buthe)
Manonyane vs. Lijabatho (Nyakosoba)
Naughty Boys vs. Linare (LCS Ground)
Galaxy vs. Swallows (DIFA Leribe)

Vodacom Premier League table:

Tlalane Phahla