…Lijabatho, Lifofane making waves, finish first round strong
…Traditionally top-table teams endure ‘unsteady’ performances
…League newbies continue struggle to find their feet
Leemisa Thuseho
WITH the ongoing Vodacom Premier League (VPL) 2025/26 campaign having completed its first round over the weekend, both the title race and relegation battles are beginning to take shape.
At the halfway mark, all 16 teams have played 15 matches, and a clear picture is emerging, particularly with traditionally mid-table clubs such as Lijabatho and Lifofane now positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title, threatening the long-standing dominance of league giants Lioli, Bantu and Matlama.
The rise of Lijabatho and Lifofane
Following heavy investment in players and the technical team over the past season, Lijabatho are gradually emerging as one of the sides to reckon with in the Premier League.
Since gaining promotion from the A Division League in the 2018/19 season, Lijabatho FC have steadily transitioned from newcomers into a serious title contender this season.
Under the leadership of prominent businessman Sipho Mashologu, Lijabatho have demonstrated the financial muscle to attract top-rated players in the country, transforming them into one of the most formidable sides in the league. A recent example is the acquisition of Matlama and Likuena star Jane Thabantšo during the January transfer window.
Under the tutelage of former league-favourite coach James Madidilane, Lijabatho are currently topping the log standings with 32 points. From 15 matches, they have recorded nine wins, five draws and just one loss—a commendable turn.
The big question, however, is whether they can sustain this level of performance in the second round.
One of the standout improvements this season belongs to Lifofane. After finishing eighth in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, the Butha-Buthe-based side have surged to second place with 31 points, making them arguably the most improved team in the league.
Lifofane are hoping to finish in a respectable position this season—or possibly even clinch their maiden league title.
They have made headlines by consistently collecting points against the league’s heavyweights. Lifofane have beaten Lioli (2-1), Matlama (3-0), Linare (3-1), LCS (3-1), LMPS (3-2) and played to a 2-2 draw with Bantu, thus bestowing a remarkable record.
Lifofane coach Nkosana Mabena understands that to win the league, one must beat the best.
Lioli, Bantu, Matlama have endured a sluggish first round
Since 2013, the league title has largely rotated among Lioli, Matlama and Bantu, the trio long considered the “big three”.
Traditionally, these teams dictate the early tempo of the season. However, this campaign has flipped the script, with all three enduring a sluggish first round, Matlama in particular.
The Shalane Lehohla-led Matlama finished the first round in a worrying seventh position with 24 points.
After finishing second in the last two seasons behind Lioli, Matlama had hoped to mount a serious title challenge this term. That ambition has, however, stalled. Following the arrival of a new coach and a massive squad reshuffle, where the coach opted for young players from lower-division leagues, Matlama have struggled to rise to the occasion.
Many are already beginning to write them off in the title race. There are also no visible signs of improvement, with the team appearing inactive in the ongoing January transfer window.
Bantu, who finished the first round in third position with 28 points, remain in the title race despite a very shaky start. Under new coach Motheo Mohapi, consistency has been their biggest challenge.
They have only managed back-to-back wins once during the first round—beating Limkokwing University 4-1 on 9 November 2025, followed by a 4-0 victory over Members on 22 November 2025. Outside of that, Bantu have struggled to string together consecutive wins.
Defending champions Lioli sit in fourth position, tied on 28 points with Bantu. The two sides also share an identical goal difference of +11, with the separation coming down to goals scored, Bantu with 27 and Lioli with 21.
After parting ways with former coach, Bongani Maseko, in December due to poor results, there is a glimmer of hope for Lioli under new coach Bahlakoana Mohoanyane, who has won three, drawn one and lost one of his first five matches.
Also forming part of the top eight are LDF and Majantja.
Majantja enjoyed a strong start and spent much of the first round at the summit of the log standings. However, a recent dip in form has seen them slide to sixth position with 24 points, tied with LDF, who occupy fifth place courtesy of a superior goal difference (+12 compared to Majantja’s +8).
LDF, meanwhile, have been steady despite missing several key players who are currently undergoing army training which started late last year.
Mid-table teams
The mid-table group is highlighted by Linare, who sit in eighth position with 24 points. Many had expected Linare to be among the best performers after making notable acquisitions ahead of the season, including the appointment of South African coach, Jabulani Mendu.
Since his arrival, Mendu has been vocal about ending Linare’s long title drought as the club last won the league in 1980. However, based on current performances, that target now appears unlikely.
There had been optimism following Linare’s pre-season triumph at the Ramela and Associates and Ramela Foundation Soccer Spectacular in September last year, but that momentum has not fully translated into league success.
Other teams that have endured a challenging first round include LCS (ninth, 22 points), LMPS (10th, 19 points), Machokha (11th, 17 points) and Limkokwing University (12th, 12 points).
Relegation zone
With 15 matches still to be played, the fight to avoid relegation remains one of the most intriguing battles of the season.
As things stand, the safety threshold is not yet clearly defined. However, league newcomers Maroala and Members have spent most of the first round anchored at the bottom of the log standings. Members are rooted at 16th place with seven points, while Maroala sit second from bottom with nine points.
Last season, Mzamane and ACE Maseru, who found themselves in similar positions at this stage, failed to survive the second-round pressure and were ultimately relegated to the A Division League.
For now, however, the battle at the bottom remains wide open, and anything is still possible.
Also among the lower-placed sides are Liphakoe in 13th position with 11 points and Manonyane in 14th with 10 points.
That suggests there is still significant work to be done in the second round if the two are to avoid the chop.
