Second round league fixtures released

Moorosi Tsiane

THE second round of the Econet Premier League (EPL) will roar into life in the last weekend of January, with pacesetters and defending champions Bantu visiting league new boys Sefotha-Fotha at PTC Ground.

Bantu ended the first round of the 2017/18 campaign comfortably perched atop the 13-team EPL table with 29 points followed by Lioli with 24 points.

However, the Teyateyaneng-based side has a game in hand from the first round against Matlama slated for Setsoto Stadium on 14 January 2018.

Bantu capped the first stanza of the season with a flourish after edging arch rivals Lioli 2-1 in a match played at Ratjomose Ground.

For their part, Sefotha-Fotha also had a good run in the first round of the season in which they held Lioli and beat top teams like LCS. The rookies will be hoping to continue from where they left off when they face the Mafeteng-based giants.

Lioli will be out of action during the second round’s opening weekend because of the odd number of EPL teams following Sandawana’s relegation from the top flight.

Third-placed LDF also have a first round game in hand against Matlama on 7 January 2018. During the second round’s opening weekend, the army side will host struggling Likhopo at Ratjomose Ground.

Meanwhile, Matlama will start their second round campaign with a tough away fixture against Liphakoe in Quthing.

It is a must-win game for Tse Mponga in their bid to stay in contention for what would be their 10^th premier league title that would end their seven-year trophy drought.

With their lacklustre performances in the first round, LCS will be hoping for a change of fortunes when they make the short trip to PTC Ground to face off with LMPS.

The correctional service side were among the inconsistent teams of the first round and the only time they looked sharp was during the Independence Top 4 tournament in which they lost in the final to Bantu.

Winless Sky Battalion will host Kick4Life at LCS Ground as they continue the fight for survival at the foot of the league table.

The National University of Lesotho side has been plagued by one problem after another, with players even boycotting training at some point.

Fellow strugglers Linare will host the difficult to break Majantja at Maputsoe DIFA Ground. Majantja had a good round in the first round of their return to the top flight beating the likes of Matlama.