Mikia Kalati
VODACOM Premier League champions Lioli have been rampant over the past month and in the last two weeks they registered back to back 4 -1 wins over Kick4Life and Likhopo.
Tse Nala had a slow start to the 2016/17 season, losing their opening match to LMPS and a few weeks later fans were calling for the head of coach Halemakale Mahlaha who had just assumed the reins.
Mahlaha replaced Mosholu “Shoes” Mokhothu before the start of the season and his was admittedly an unenviable task of filling in the big shoes of his predecessor who had won every available trophy in the country.
But it is now looking good for the Teyateyaneng side that has now bagged the Independence Cup and hit a rich vein of form which once again makes them the team to beat though there is still a long way.
But the big question is whether Lioli can etch their name in the folklore of soccer in this country by going all the way to make it three league titles in a row?
LDF were the last to do so when they bagged three consecutive titles in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
This was an LDF side that had the likes of their current coach Motheo Mohapi as one of their key players along with their current public relations officer, Donny Nthakha.
And like that swashbuckling LDF side, Lioli have the quality, depth and experience to re-write the history books of the beautiful game in Lesotho.
But it will not be a stroll in the park as they have disappointed in some matches where they were expected to win easily.
We all thought Lioli would easily collect three points in their recent match with Rovers, but to our surprise the game ended in a draw and that said it all about football being very unpredictable.
Again, you still have teams like Kick4Life, Matlama, Bantu and LCS who are also in the mix for this season’s title.
Despite being a very young team as far as football is concerned, Kick4Life are a growing brand with a very good coach in Leslie Notši. The club is also very solid off the pitch.
Matlama have a good crop of players but they need to get their house in order as soon as possible.
Tse Putsoa have recently been marred by off-the-field problems which culminated in the resignation of head coach Moses Maliehe.
Bantu are also in with a shout but they need to be more consistent having dropped valuable points in their last two matches against Sky Battalion and Sandawana which ended in draws.
As for LCS, they have been blowing hot and cold, but the Correctional Service side still boast a quality side with a good blend of youth and experience.
When all has been said and done, Lioli remains the team to beat. They have the best squad in the league and time will tell if they can go all the way to win a historic third title on the trot.
