Mikia Kalati
The Vodacom Premier League programme is back in full swing this weekend with a mouthwatering clash between unbeaten Lioli and LMPS at PTC College headlining Saturday’s fixtures.
Tse Nala started the season with victories over Sundawana and Linare, but face a rejuvenated LMPS side which stunned Bantu 2-0 in the league-opener.
However, the last time the two sides met, Lioli demolished LMPS 7-0 at Setsoto Stadium, but the police outfit are a completely different side this term following some shrewd signings during the offseason.
Lioli utility player, Jerry Kamele, on Tuesday told the Lesotho Times he was anticipating a tough encounter against the rejuvenated LMPS.
“It will be a very important match for us because we would like to collect maximum points to ease the pressure on us as the season progresses,” Kamele said.
“We know LMPS are not an easy side, but still, I believe we will walk away with the three points.
“We will be coming with the same winning mentality, as we look forward to retaining our league championship.”
The national team wingback said they would not give their former star-forward Tšepo Seturumane special treatment, but added the team was fully aware of the danger he poses on his day.
Seturumane scored on his LMPS debut against Bantu last month, and was also impressive for the national side, Likuena, against Algeria at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday.
This was the striker’s first match in Likuena colours in over six months following his brief sabbatical from the game as he underwent police training.
‘We know he is a top player who will punish us if given a chance, so we have to make sure he does not get the freedom to play,” said Kamele.
On his part, LMPS public relations officer, Kotsoane Ramakau, said his team would be out for revenge and another upset following the Bantu shocker.
“Like I said, this is a different season for us and we are on a mission to restore our lost pride,” Ramakau said.
“We are looking forward to the test against Lioli after they beat us 7-0 in the last league fixture.
“So much will be at stake on Saturday—pride, points, you name it—and I’m sure our boys will continue with their great form.”
In Saturday’s other league match, winless Linare tackle LCS in Maseru, while Rovers host Kick4Life.
Linare have lost their two matches of the new season, while LCS have lost one and drawn their other match.
Bantu, still without a win two matches into the 2015/16 premiership campaign, travel to Butha-Buthe on Sunday for a tie against Likila United.
Matlama also have a tricky fixture on Sunday when they play host to Sundawana. Tse Putsoa beat Kick4Life 2-0 in their last match. Also on Sunday, LDF host Likhopo, with Liphakoe facing Mphatlalatsane to wind-up the weekend matches.
Full weekend fixtures
Saturday: LMPS v Lioli, LCS v Linare, Rovers v Kick4Life.
Sunday: Matlama v Sundawana, Likila United v Bantu, LDF v Likhopo, Liphakoe v Mphatlalatsane.
