MASERU – February is, as they say, the time when men are separated from boys.
It is also the time when questions begin to be asked.
And the question that will be asked after LDF’s return to the top of the Vodacom Premier League at the weekend is whether Sohle-Sohle are now favourites for the title.
The soldiers are on the march.
The latest victims were Swallows, the Mazenod birds shot down 3-1 at Ratjomose as LDF stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches.
It was another of LDF’s substance-over-style displays, and the collective experience that has served them well in recent years was in evidence again as the army side overcame Swallows with three second-half goals.
LDF have scored 11 second-half goals in their last seven games – a run which stretches back to their dramatic late 2-1 victory over Mphatlalatsane at Ratjomose on December 12.
And while Molefe Lekoekoe, Janfeke Molibeli and Mojela Letsie have been outstanding this season, the size of LDF’s squad has become their greatest weapon in recent weeks.
Tšepo Keketsi’s goal was his third in as many games while the bench usually has potential match-winners in Mafoafoa Lephoto, Lesimole Tšiu and Mokoenanyane Moahloli.
All the while last season’s talisman Lire Phiri remains out.
“Our squad gives us an advantage because when the players that have started have not done well, there are players that I can put on who make a difference,” LDF coach Kolisang Seutloali said.
Their ability to fly under the radar and out of the news has also helped.
But for their four fixtures this month — which could make or break their title challenge – LDF will be under the spotlight.
This weekend the Ratjomose side are away to both LMPS on Saturday and Joy on Sunday.
Next week they host Roma Rovers before a mighty clash against Bantu in Mafeteng on February 21.
But of those teams it is Joy that is giving Seutloali the most sleepless nights.
LDF have not beaten Joy in their last five meetings.
“The team that always gives us a problem is Joy. LMPS give us trouble but Joy is tougher,” Seutloali said.
“This weekend I want six points.”
He added it was still too early to tag LDF as championship favourites.
“Right now it’s still too early,” he said.
“The team I’m looking at is Matlama who are playing well and you can see that this is a team we are going to have to compete against.”
Weekend results:
Sunday
Likhopo 0-2 LCS
Matlama 1-0 Nyenye Rovers
LDF 3-1 Swallows
Majantja vs LMPS (match abandoned due to rain)
