Mikia Kalati
MATLAMA have taken a huge step towards winning their first league title in almost a decade after both LCS and Bantu dropped valuable points last weekend in the race for the Econet Premier League title.
Tse Putsoa clinched a comfortable 3-0 win over relegation threatened Swallows on Sunday while defending champions Bantu were handed a 2-1 loss by LMPS on Saturday. LCS drew 1-1 with Kick4Life on the same day.
Motebang Sera netted a brace within the first half hour of the game against Swallows while Theletsane Makume scored the third goal.
Tse Putsoa had more chances to increase their lead in the second half but were denied by the experienced Isiah Mosala, who was outstanding for Swallows on the day.
The country’s most decorated side are at the summit of the Econet Premier League with 47 points after 20 games.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Morapeli Lekhotso edged Sefotha-fotha 1-0 as the team now coached by Halemakale Mahlaha continued its revival.
The Red army, who had a slow start to the campaign and seemed to be destined for the bottom of the table, is now seventh with 29 points after 21 games.
Sefotha-fotha on the other hand are 10th also after 21 games and look to be safe from relegation with 25 points in the bag. Bottom placed Swallows has 12 points while Majantja, who are second from bottom, have 15 points.
Meanwhile, troubled Linare could only afford a 1-1 draw against Galaxy in the Leribe derby at Maputsoe DIFA Ground on Sunday.
Tse Tala, who are one of the only two teams that have never been relegated along with Matlama, have had a difficult season and have managed to collect just 19 points from their 21 games.
On Saturday, champions Bantu were stunned 2-1 by LMPS at Setsoto Stadium. Veteran defender Nkau Lerotholi put the police side ahead in the early exchanges of match but A Matšo Matebele found their way back into the game through Lehlohonolo Fothoane.
Simunye regained their lead just before the break through Monyatheli Ntobo thereby handing Teele Ntšonyana his biggest win since taking over the reins at LMPS at the start of the second round.
However, despite the big victory over Bantu, LMPS are still ninth with 27 points after 21 games and are figting to finish the campaign among the top eight teams in the league.
The Mafeteng outfit, on the other hand, remains third but their title ambitions have been dented as they now trail log leaders Matlama by eight points though they have two games in hand.
LCS also dropped valuable points and failed to close the gap on Matlama after being held 1-1 by Kick4Life on Saturday.
The correctional service side is five points behind the league leaders but have played a game more in the race for the biggest prize in domestic football. They occupy the second position with 42 points after 21 games.
Lioli were also in action on Saturdayl but suffered a 2-1 loss to LDF as the two teams battled for a spot to finish the season among the four top teams in the league.
Thabo Mongali and Tšepo Toloane scored the two goals for the army side while Diutlwileng Molefe netted the consolation goal for the inconsistent Tse Nala.
Lioli and LDF are both tied on 34 points but Tse Nala have a better goal difference.
Liphakoe were also unstoppable on Saturday as they trounced second from bottom Majantja 4-0 at LCS Ground. Poloko Khalane netted a brace while Mohau Rammoneng and Tšepang Makapa scored a goal each.
The Quthing outfit is eighth with 27 points after 21 games.
Majantja are fighting for survival and have 15 points after 20 games.
