Early coaches’ shake-up rocks VPL

Leemisa Thuseho THE Vodacom Premier League (VPL) 2026/27 season is already witnessing an early coaching shake-up, with LMPS FC becoming the first club to officially part ways with its head coach following a disappointing start to the campaign. The police side, popularly known as Simunye, announced on Tuesday that it had parted ways with head coach Masupha Letsie and his assistant, Mosito Matela, by mutual agreement. “LMPS Football Club can confirm that we have parted ways with head coach Mr Letsie Masupha and his assistant coach, Mr Mosito Matela, by mutual agreement,” the club announced. Letsie took charge of the team ahead of the current season but lasted just six matches as Simunye struggled to find its footing. LMPS are yet to register a victory, having drawn twice and lost four times in their opening six matches. The poor run leaves them rooted to the bottom of the 16-team standings with just two points. The club has since invited applications from interested candidates to fill the vacant head coach position. Thereafter, LMPS FC Marketing Manager, Mosiuoa Lekhooana, told the Lesotho Times that assistant coach Sheli Ramoseeka would take charge of the team, assisted by goalkeeper coach Lekunutu Tšoeunyane. While LMPS have made their coaching changes official, uncertainty is also surrounding the future of LDF FC head coach Malefetsane Pheko, who has missed the club’s last three matches. Last week, LDF FC Communications and Marketing Manager, Tšepo Keketsi, told this publication that Pheko was on leave. However, reports suggest that his absence could be linked to management’s dissatisfaction with the team’s performances, raising questions about his future at the club. In his absence, LDF have relied on assistant coaches Lengana Nkhethoa, Mojalefa Nkhabu and Sello Ramakau to oversee the team. The side has collected five points from its last three matches, beating newcomers Villa 1-0 before playing out goalless draws against Manonyana and LCS. Despite the recent improvement, LDF remain eighth on the log with one victory, four draws and one defeat from six matches. They will next face Mzamane at the Saxophone Thejane Technical Centre on Sunday. Meanwhile, Lifofane head coach, Nkosana Mabena, could also come under pressure as his side struggles to reproduce last season’s form. The Butha-Buthe outfit finished runners-up in the league last season but has endured a difficult start to the current campaign. After six matches, Lifofane have managed just one victory and one draw, suffering four defeats in the process. They currently occupy 15th position, second from the bottom, with four points. Lifofane will be hoping to arrest their slide when they face Villa at the Saxophone Technical Centre on Saturday.