New Premier League season kicks-off
NTHAKO MAJORO
MASERU – Football fever is set to grip the nation as the much-anticipated 2024/25 Lesotho Premier League season kicks off this weekend, promising thrilling encounters and fierce competition. From September 21 to January 19, 2025, fans can expect non-stop action as teams battle for supremacy.
The opening match on Saturday will see Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) take on ACE Maseru in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The double-header at the Ha Ratjomose Ground will also feature Limkokwing University (LU), squaring off against the ever-formidable Linare, setting the stage for an electric start to the season.
Premier League newcomers, Mzamame, face a baptism of fire as they clash with league giants Bantu at the Mohale’s Hoek DiFA Stadium. All eyes will also be on Majantja, who are determined to topple the reigning champions Lioli in what promises to be a nail-biting encounter at the Leribe DiFA Stadium.
Sunday’s fixtures offer no respite from the action, with four gripping matches on the cards. Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) will be aiming to assert dominance over Machokha at the Ha Ratjomose Ground, while Lesotho Mounted Police Services (LMPS) hit the road for a challenging away game against Lifofane at the Butha-Buthe Pitso Ground.
The drama continues as Lijabatho lock horns with Liphakoe at the Morija Ground, but the main event of the day will undoubtedly be the heavyweight showdown between perennial favourites Matlama and Manonyane at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.
Matlama’s supporters will be eager to see if their team can start the season with a statement victory. The new season is sure to bring unexpected twists, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments as teams chase the coveted league title.
Majantja versus Lioli
A highly anticipated showdown looms this weekend as Majantja return to the Lesotho Premier League, marking their first league encounter with Lioli since their relegation at the end of the 2018/19 season.
This clash will be one for the history books, as Majantja look to make a bold statement after bouncing back to the top flight, while Lioli aim to defend their crown.
The two teams have shared a dramatic history. In their last encounter, Lioli crushed Majantja 3-0 at home in the second round of the 2018/19 season. However, Majantja had stunned the giants earlier that season with a 2-0 away victory, showcasing their potential to upset the odds.
Going further back to the 2017/18 campaign, Lioli edged Majantja 1-0 in a hard-fought away game after a goalless stalemate in the first round.
Majantja, determined to make their mark on their return to the elite league, will kick off the season without their ace attacking midfielder Moriana Moriana, who has joined powerhouse Bantu.
But they have wasted no time in reinforcing their squad, securing the signature of former Linare playmaker, John ‘Sunday Session’ Mofokeng, a move that has energised their fan-base.
Their comeback also brings newfound financial muscle, thanks to a lucrative sponsorship deal with LNIG-Hollard. The partnership will see Majantja receiving M200,000 over the next three seasons, a much-needed boost that will go toward football gear and branding merchandise for their passionate supporters.
This backing, coupled with the team’s hunger for success, provides Majantja with all the motivation they need to hit the ground running as they re-join Lesotho’s most competitive league.
Lioli, on the other hand, remain formidable despite the departure of key players. Tumelo Khutlang, last season’s top scorer, has signed with Lijabatho, while defensive stalwart Tieho Ntulo has left to join rivals, Linare.
But Lioli have not been idle in the transfer market, snapping up Posholu Leluma from Bantu and Sechaba Mohapi, son of head coach Motheo ‘Six to Six’ Mohapi, from Kick4Life Juventude. Fans are also excited for the return of their lethal striker, Swirtberth Kum from Cameroon, adding firepower to their attacking arsenal.
Fresh off their victory in the inaugural Maseru Community Cup, Lioli enter the new season with momentum. They have fine-tuned their squad during an intensive pre-season tour in South Africa, where they held Betway Premiership side Royal AM to a 1-1 draw and edged out ABC Motsepe League contenders D’General FC with a 2-1 win.
With both teams ready to put it all on the line, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, a test of resilience and ambition as Majantja seek redemption and Lioli strive to maintain their dominance.
Bantu versus Mzamane
Bantu fans are expecting nothing less than victory as their team face Mzamane for the first time in the Lesotho Premier League. Coach James Madidilane, who took over mid-season last year, aims to lead Bantu beyond their third-place finish.
Despite Madidilane’s past success, the team’s performance stagnated after the departure of key players like Thabo Matšoele and Leluma.
Meanwhile, Mzamane, under new coach Mpitsa Marai, will face a tough debut after losing their promotion-winning coach Liteboho ‘Zane’ Ramantsoe.
In another key fixture, Linare will look to continue their dominance over Limkokwing University, after winning both encounters last season.
Linare have bolstered their squad with Matšoele, Ntulo, and Hlomelang Lebina, while LU, now led by Shalane Lehohla, hope to improve on last season’s 11th place finish.
Finally, LCS, who bested ACE Maseru twice last season, aim for a strong start. With key departures like Thabang Malane, LCS have added experienced signings like Cheletsane Marume and Tšotleho Jane to bolster their ranks.
LDF versus Machokha
The clash between LDF and Machokha promises excitement as both teams look to improve on last season’s 2-2 draws in both rounds.
LDF have a powerful new weapon this time around—the return of star striker, Katleho Makateng. Fresh from South Africa’s Richards Bay, Makateng was a sensation before his departure, earning multiple accolades including the Vodacom Premier League Top Scorer, Player of the Season, and Young Player of the Season.
The army side struggled after losing both Makateng and their long-time coach, Motheo ‘Six-to-Six’ Mohapi, and finished seventh last season.
But with Makateng back in the fold, the soldiers are gearing up to reclaim their spot as title contenders.
Machokha, who finished last season in 12th place, face a tough challenge. With relegation looming, they will need to step up their game if they want to secure their place in the top flight this season.
Lifofane versus LMPS
LMPS will be looking for revenge as they face Lifofane after a tough 1-0 defeat in the second round last season. Their first-round clash ended in a goalless draw, but this time the stakes are higher as both teams aim to build on their 2023/24 performances.
The police side, who finished fourth last season, will be keen to start strong despite the departure of key player Tšoarelo Mokoaleli to Lijabatho.
Lifofane, who finished eighth, are also facing changes with star players Montoeli Sonopo and Tebello Leshoella also moving to Lijabatho.
With both teams undergoing transformations, this encounter promises to be a battle of tactics and resilience as they navigate the new season.
Lijabatho versus Liphakoe
The upcoming clash between Lijabatho and Liphakoe promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make their mark this season.
Last year, Lijabatho finished just above Liphakoe, with the two teams splitting their encounters—a 1-1 draw at Lijabatho’s home and a decisive 2-0 win for Liphakoe in the second round.
Lijabatho have transformed their squad more dramatically than any other Premier League team, adding 10 new players to their roster. They have secured high-profile signings like Khutlang from Lioli, Basia Letuka and Mohau Rammoneng from Liphakoe, and Sonopo from Lifofane.
These additions are set to inject new energy and quality into the Morija-based side.
In contrast, Liphakoe battled through a challenging season marked by administrative issues and sporadic training sessions. Despite these hurdles, their resilient squad managed to secure their top-flight status and are determined to build on that foundation.
As both teams prepare for the new season, expect a fierce contest as Lijabatho look to capitalise on their new signings and Liphakoe aim to prove their tenacity.
Manonyane versus Matlama
Matlama are set to bounce back with a vengeance after a frustrating 2023/24 season where they fell just short of the title, finishing as runners-up to Lioli.
Coach Halemakale Mahlaha and his team face immense pressure to deliver this year, as they aim to finally clinch the league crown.
Last season, Matlama’s title hopes were dashed by a string of costly draws, often after taking the lead. A series of late-game lapses proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
This season, Matlama will look to build on their previous encounters with Manonyane. Last year, they edged out Manonyane 2-1 in the first round but were held to a goalless draw in the second. With Manonyane finishing in 13th place, they face a crucial season ahead, needing to improve drastically to avoid relegation.
As Matlama gear up to turn their fortunes around, fans will be watching closely to see if they can overcome their previous setbacks and claim the title that narrowly eluded them.
Premier League weekend fixtures in a glance;
Saturday, September 21
Lioli vs Majantja (DiFA Leribe Stadium) 15:00
Bantu vs Mzamane (Mohale’s Hoek DiFA Stadium) 15:00
LU vs Linare (Ratjomose Ground) 15:00
LCS vs ACE Maseru (Ratjomose Ground) 13:00
Sunday, September 22, 2024
LDF vs Machokha (Ratjomose Ground) 15:00
Lifofane vs LMPS (Butha-Buthe Pitso Ground) 15:00
Lijabatho vs Liphakoe (Morija Ground) 15:00
Manonyane vs Matlama (Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena) 15:00
