MASERU — For all season LDF coach Motheo Mohapi has remained unruffled refusing to declare his side favourites for Lesotho’s top football prize.
But now as the season’s last month heats up it is clear Sohle-Sohle are in pole position to win the Vodacom Premier League.
With the top three sides separated by just three points it is becoming increasingly clear that this premiership season will be decided by the closest of margins.
One of them could be goal difference. This was perhaps why LCS fans and staff were anxious as their home clash on Saturday against Swallows progressed deep into the game without goals for the home side.
In the end Masheshena scrapped to a 2-0 win at Central Prison and have the league’s best goal difference of 22.
The following day LDF returned to the top of the league with a thrilling 3-2 win over LMPS at Ratjomose while Bantu kept in touch with a 2-1 win over Maduma in Khukhune on Saturday.
The army side are top with 48 points, with a goal difference of 18. They have played 22 games.
Masheshena are second with 45 points after 22 matches while Bantu are third, also with 45 points, but with a goal difference of 13 from 23 matches played.
The top three teams’ title challenges have also been maintained by their brilliant home form, something which is always the basis for a championship bid.
LDF have won eight times from 11 games at home, picking up 26 points from a possible 33.
LCS have collected 24 points from 33 matches while A Matšo Matebele have picked up 27 from a possible 36.
The fact LDF and LCS have two games to play at home compared to Bantu’s one could be crucial.
The experience of the moment is also crucial, LDF rarely panic and this was shown in their 3-2 win over LMPS.
Sohle-Sohle had to come back from behind twice against Simunye, but in the end two goals from Tšepo Keketsi and one from Molefe Lekoekoe sealed the win.
Likuena international midfielder Lekoekoe has been like a new signing since his return last month after several months on the sidelines.
His class and guile means LDF are a more composed side. He has already played a notable part in the run-in so far starring in a 3-2 win over Matlama last month and scoring the winner against LMPS.
Masheshena meanwhile have a squad full of international players that could be finally getting it together at the right time.
LCS have not lost in 2011 and remain unbeaten away from home all season. Given the quality in their ranks and the wealth of knowledge of coach Mafa Ramakau and his assistant Mosholi Mokhothu, Masheshena may have one over LDF and Bantu.
Bantu have enjoyed a fairytale two years and find themselves in the title mix, despite only returning to the top flight in 2009.
Coach Tšehla Lerotholi who took over at the beginning of the season has built on the foundation laid by A Matšo Matabele’s sixth placed finish last season and has moulded the outfit into a team with direction and self-belief.
However, the fact that Bantu have played games more than their title rivals is against them.
Nevertheless there is still caution from all quarters, the title still has a few twists and turns left as LDF spokesman Donny Nthakha said: “As we talk its still wide open for ourselves, LCs and Bantu. Anyone can still win it.”
