Mikia Kalati
Lioli walloped LMPS 7-0 at Setsoto Stadium yesterday to consolidate their position at the top of the 14-team Vodacom Premier League table.
The unstoppable Tse Nala have now scored 12 goals in two consecutive matches without conceding any, and last weekend hammered Qoaling Highlanders 5-0 at LCS Ground.
Lioli now lead the standings with 48 points, while their closest rivals Bantu are on 41, after they were held to a one-all draw by Likhopo at Leshoboro Stadium in Mafeteng, yesterday.
The run-away log leaders were in control of the game from the first blow of the whistle, especially in the midfield where Jerry Kamele and Tšoanelo Koetle were outstanding.
But with LMPS looking rock-solid in defence, Tse Nala had to wait until the 37th minute to break the deadlock with Junior Maba scoring the opener.
Lanky defender Shetsane Ramoseeka, doubled the lead a minute before half-time, with Tšepo Lekhooana and Lekhanya Lekhanya also getting on the score-sheet in the 69th and 73rd minute, respectively.
An own goal by Sheli Ramoseeka in the 81st minute and a second strike by Maba three minutes later completed the rout for the Teyateyaneng-based outfit.
Simunye, as LMPS are affectionately known, nearly scored a consolation goal in the 70th minute, but Bokang Mohasi’s effort was blocked on the line by Mafa Moremoholo.
After the match, Lioli coach, Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu, praised his team’s impressive form.
“It was an impressive performance, which has set high standards for us going forward,” Mokhothu said.
“I’m a happy man today and will celebrate this win and forget what is coming ahead of us.”
Meanwhile, Lioli host fifth-placed Matlama at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday and Mokhothu said the match would be a different ball game altogether.
“It is a big game with a fierce rivalry and we will have to be at our best to beat Matlama. However, the good thing is we go into the match very motivated,” he said.
In other league matches played yesterday, LDF drew 0-0 with Matlama at Ratjomose Ground, LCS edged Kick4Life 1-0 at LCS Ground, Nyenye Rovers beat Sundawana 3-2 in Butha-Buthe, Qoaling Highlanders and Mphatlalatsane drew 3-3 draw in St Monica’s, while Linare and Likila played to a goalless stalemate in Hlotse.
Yesterday’s results at a glance
Lioli 7-0 LMPS, Bantu 1-1 Likhopo, LDF 1-1 Matlama, Sundawana 2-3 Nyenye Rovers, Mphatlalatsane 3-3 Qoaling Highlanders, Linare 1-1 Likila United, LCS 1-0 Kick4Life.
Weekend fixtures
Saturday: Linare v Kick4Life, Bantu v Likila United.
Sunday: Lioli v Matlama, LDF v Sundawana, Mphatlalatsane v LMPS, LCS v Qoaling Highlanders.
