MASERU — Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Mpharane Celtics at St Michaels in Leribe last weekend to throw the league race wide open.
In a weekend characterised by shock results, Bantu were the only team in the top four to post a positive result after thrashing rivals Matlama 2-1 in Mafeteng.
The victory however did not result in a shift in position for A Matśo Matebele who remained in fourth position.
Bantu have 24 points from six wins, six draws and three losses after 15 games.
Second-placed Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS), who were third before last weekend’s matches, played to a one-all draw with Lioli on Saturday.
Masheshena — as LCS is affectionately known — have one match in hand and will seek to go on top of the heap should LDF’s dismal performance continue this weekend.
Masheshena are the same number of points with third-placed Matlama but are on top due to a superior goal difference.
LCS — the only team in the league with over 20 goals – have seven wins, four draws and three losses in 14 league matches.
Matlama also have 25 points but have scored five less goals compared to LCS after seven wins, four draws and wins in 15 games.
Likhopo also brewed a shock result last weekend when they registered their third win in 15 games, an impressive result that helped the Maseru boys move from the relegation zone.
Likhopo defeated Joy 3-1 at Ratjomose in Maseru and should they win their Sunday match against Mpharane Celtics, the two-time league winners could move out of the relegation zone.
Vodacom Premier League communications and marketing manager Lehlohonolo Matlosa told the Lesotho Times they were happy the league is gaining momentum.
“The league is now gaining momentum and becoming very competitive for both top and lower teams,” Matlosa said.
“We are happy with the way things are right now in our league.”
Matlosa said the league has reached a stage that they have always wanted it to be because any team is capable of producing expected result.
He said failure by three of the top four teams to register wins last weekend is a signal that things are getting tough for every team in the league.
Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday: Matlama vs Maduma (Pitso Ground), LDF vs Bantu (Ratjomose) and Joy vs Majantja (Leribe).
Sunday: LCS vs Linare (Central Prisons), LMPS vs Lioli (PTC) and Likhopo vs Mpharane Celtics (Ratjomose).
