Lioli defender Mafa Moremoholo & Bantu forward Ramasimong Moloisane fight for the ball on Sunday
Mikia Kalati
LIOLI coach Halemakale Mahlaha says his side will fight to the end to defend Vodacom Premier League title despite suffering a 1-2 setback to bitter rivals Bantu in Sunday’s top of the table clash at Setsoto Stadium.
Tse Nala are now five points behind A Matšo Matebele, but according to Mahlaha, the title race is far from over as anything can happen in the remaining six games.
A Matso Matebele lead the log standings with 46 points while Lioli are second with 41.
“The race for the title is not over despite them (Bantu) beating us this week,” Mahlaha said, adding, “We will fight and give our best in the remaining matches because anything can happen”.
The Lioli coach who took over the reins from Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu who led the club to back to back league titles, said the league was highly competitive and the Mafeteng side could still drop points.
He however said there was a need to motivate his charges whose “heads dropped a bit” after Sunday’s loss.
“What we have to do is work harder and give them the motivation to get back to winning ways against Sandawana on Sunday,” he said adding his charges were being unfairly criticised for not being good enough after losing to their bitter rivals.
“I have no doubts about the quality of my team and I believe in them.
“It must be understand that in football there are matches when players fail to rise to the occasion.
“But it does not mean they are bad players, I still maintain that we have a good side and we will fight to the very end to make it three league titles in a row,” Mahlaha concluded.
