..coach sings team’s praises after edging Matlama in Independence thriller
Mikia Kalati
Lioli coach, Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu, says he is happy to have won the 2014 Independence Cup after battling past Linare and Matlama in the semifinal and final on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
After winning 2-0 against Linare, Tse Nala then beat archrivals Matlama 11-10 in a heart-stopping penalty shootout before a packed Setsoto stadium, to claim the winners’ prize of M100 000.
Matlama, on the other hand, had knocked out defending champions Bantu in the other semi, leaving the Mafeteng-based outfit shell-shocked and their dreams of winning a record fourth Independence Cup, in tatters.
According to Mokhothu, Matlama had proved a tough nut to crack, hence his delight at eventually winning the tournament bankrolled by Standard Lesotho Bank and Metropolitan Lesotho.
“I must say it was a very competitive final, but we came here with a plan, starting with the semi-final match against Linare on Saturday and credit must go to our players who fought very hard to win the Cup,” Mokhothu said.
“We gave everything to win this trophy and I think at the end of the day, luck was on our side to win it on penalties, despite scary moments towards the end of the game.”
The Lioli coach was full of praise for the youthful Matlama side, which came into the tournament as rank outsiders.
“Matlama played exceptionally well, and were very competitive throughout the tournament. However, I never had any doubts about my team, although we had to work harder than we anticipated going into the tournament.
“The players were very dedicated throughout the competition and showed great character and unity, which helped us succeed, and win what later proved to be an epic final against Matlama.”
Matlama coach, Ndebele ‘Tata Mocholene’ Taole, on his part, also praised his young lads who won so much admiration from the fans after eliminating title-holders Bantu in the semis, before losing the final in the most agonising way possible.
Bantu had won the competition since 2011, and hoped to make it four times in a row this year, but were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Matlama.
“It is always disappointing to lose in the final, but we gave a good account of ourselves and were very unfortunate to fall through penalties,” Taole said.
“We will hold our heads high because no one gave us a chance of reaching the final. I have always had confidence in my team and I think they will continue to grow.”
Matlama captain, Phafa Tšosane, who was very instrumental in the Sea Point outfit reaching the final, was awarded the player-of-the-tournament award worth M1 500.
Tšosane scored a stunning free kick to level matters and send the match into the penalties after Lioli had grabbed an early lead.
The talented midfielder was also outstanding in Saturday’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over Bantu.
Matlama goalkeeper, Makhetha Thakeli, in his first season with Tse Putsoa after joining from Qoaling Highlanders, walked away with the goalkeeper-of-the-tournament award and also received M1 500.
Thakeli made important saves in the two matches, resulting in the Matlama only losing the final through penalties.
Meanwhile, Mohau Sentšo and Lesupi Puputla walked away with the referee and assistant referee of the tournament awards, respectively. Both officials each took home M1500.
