Moorosi Tsiane
LIOLI are hoping to pick up the pieces when they visit Linare on Saturday in Maputsoe after a disappointing exit from the LNIG Top8 quarterfinals last weekend.
Tse Nala were beaten 1-0 on Saturday by the defending champions LDF to exit the tournament on a 2-1 aggregate loss having drawn one-all in the first leg.
Linare, who were not in action last weekend, are fifth with 26 points from 16 matches in the league.
The Morena Ramorebodi-coached outfit has also been inconsistent in the league and gets into the weekend fixture sitting in eighth with 25 points from 17 matches.
Ramorebodi told the Lesotho Times this week that they must pick up the pieces and improve when they face Linare.
“Our performance was not too bad but the result hurt us because we were knocked out of the tournament,” Ramoreboli said.
“For me, performance comes before the results but we must perform well and get good results.
“Next, we face an in form Linare on Saturday and though it is not going to be an easy match, we are going for the kill.
“It’s important to take lessons from previous matches in preparation for the upcoming matches. Of course, we want to win but we also want to win with conscious players.”
He said they have been teaching their players the importance of a team effort over individual effort.
He said they were also wary of the two points’ gap between the two sides hence they would ensure that they win the tie. Ramorebodi said he was aware that the second round was always tough hence they are not expecting the tie to be a stroll in the park.
“There is a two points’ gap between us, so it is important that we collect maximum points as that would put us in a better position.
“The second round is always tough because teams are fighting for different things; others are fighting to avoid relegation, others for a top eight or top four finish and the top sides are fighting for the title.”
For his part, Linare coach Moses Ramafole, said they were ready for Lioli.
“We are ready for them; we had a one-week break which gave our players time to recover.
“We are aware that Lioli are a big team and are dangerous because they have been playing dismally, hence they would want to change their fortunes, so, we are expecting a tough encounter,” Ramafole said.
The former Likuena midfielder said they are aiming for a top four finish hence they need maximum points to achieve that.
“A top four finish is achievable this season and if we win against Lioli, we will be alright depending on how other teams play. We must just continue winning our matches.”
In other matches on Saturday, Sefotha-fotha will be desperate to get out of the relegation zone when they host LMPS at PTC Ground.
Likhopo welcome Liphakoe at LCS Ground while Matlama travel to Morija to face relegation threatened Lijabatho.
On Sunday Kick4Life takes the short trip to LCS Ground to play LCS. LDF will be at home against relegation bound Swallows while league pace setters Bantu travel to Butha-Buthe to face Lifofane at Pitso Ground.
