MASERU — Defending champions Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) reclaimed top spot on the Vodacom Premier League log after they posted an impressive 2-0 victory over Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) on Saturday.
Masheshena — as LCS are affectionately known — now have 31 points from 16 games and are a point ahead of Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
Masheshena’s ascendency to the summit is the clearest indication yet that this year’s title race remains wide open with any of the top four sides which include Matlama and Bantu still with a shout over the destiny of the title.
Former log leaders LDF fell into second place after playing a dour nil-all draw against Maduma on Sunday.
They have 29 points.
LCS coach, Mosholi ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu, told the Lesotho Times they were happy to be back at the top where they belong.
“It has always been our intention to reclaim top spot in the Vodacom Premier League log and now that we are back where we belong, we are happy with the results,” Mokhothu said.
He said that they were going to work extra hard to maintain their home-advantage and retain the title.
LCS is the only team in the elite league that has never lost or drawn a game at their Central Prisons home ground this season.
All their four draws and three losses were suffered during away ties.
“We are now only left with six games and out of them, four are home matches and given our record, we are sure to win them.
“What we need to do right now is to ensure we successfully win the two away matches. This way we will all be smiles when we are crowned league champions at the end of the season,” Mokhothu said.
He said they already have a couple of players they are eyeing as they prepare to beef up their squad for next season.
Meanwhile, Linare are back in the top 10 after beating Matlama 2-0 on Sunday.
Linare mentor Pitso Mosothoane said Sunday’s win against Matlama was a stepping stone to better times for the Leribe-based team.
“We are happy that we won the game against such a team. We are also hoping that we will do the same in all our remaining games,” Mosothoane said on Tuesday.
He said the Sunday win should motivate his players who had lost hope of staying in the elite league come end of May.
Mosothoane however said their Sunday clash against LMPS was a tricky one.
“It is an away game and very unfortunately we are playing against a wounded lion which was just thrashed last weekend and lost to us in the first round,” Mosothoane said.
“To me this is a very tricky game and that has never been a comfort to me, which means we must tread carefully,” he said.
Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday: LDF vs Matlama (Ratjomose), Joy vs LCS (Leribe) and Mpharane Celtics vs Lioli (St Michaels).
Sunday: Majantja vs Bantu (Mohale’s Hoek), FC Likhopo vs Maduma (Ratjomose) and LMPS vs Linare (PTC).