VPL round two promises fireworks
NTHAKO MAJORO
MASERU – The Vodacom Premier League (VPL) is set to ignite once again this weekend, promising thrilling action and fierce competition as teams return from a well-deserved one week first round break. The 2024/25 first round showcased the undeniable strength of traditional powerhouses, Matlama FC and Lioli FC, who stamped their authority on the league and set the pace for what promises to be a captivating title race.
The two teams started where they finished last season, with Lioli winning the 2023/24 league title, and Matlama as the runners-up.
Now Matlama finished the first round of the current season (2024/25) on top of the log table with 37 points, two points in front of their competitors Lioli.
The big question is whether they can maintain their momentum, or will other contenders rise to challenge their dominance?
Matlama, who have so far demonstrated their championship pedigree with a display of consistent performance and tactical prowess, will start their second round campaign with a game against Liphakoe at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena tomorrow.
Liphakoe are languishing at the bottom of the log table, and as a result their game against Matlama may be a tricky tie for the log-leaders.
But with the pressure from their demanding fans who will be expecting their team to continue their winning streak and solidify their position as favourites, and again with Lioli hot on their heels, Matlama must win this match at all cost.
Lioli will also start their second round campaign with a game against a team languishing at the bottom half of the log table, Machokha, also at Bambatha Tsita Sports Arena this Sunday.
Machokha are one of the unpredictable teams to play against in the league, and therefore they are not a team to underestimate, as Lioli are looking to build on their impressive first-half performance and snatch the top spot from their rivals, Matlama.
However, the VPL is never predictable, and the second round promises a renewed battle from teams eager to upset the established order.
Keep an eye on teams like Bantu, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service FC, the Lesotho Defence Force FC.
These three teams, currently lying on third, fourth and fifth position respectively, have the potential to cause upsets and climb the table.
They will be looking to capitalise on any slip-ups from the league leaders and make their own charge towards the title.
The pressure is now on Matlama and Lioli to continue their winning ways, and they will face stiff competition from teams eager to prove themselves.
Though the VPL is not known for surprises, the second round could see a team emerge from the shadows to challenge for the title.
The battle for mid-table positions is also expected to be intense, and the second round will be crucial for teams looking to secure a comfortable spot.
Changes in tactics and player formations are also expected in the second round, especially because some teams will be without their key players who left to join new teams, either here at home or outside the country.
Lioli and Bantu are likely to suffer the most after their key players, Swirtbirth Kum and Lehlohonolo Fothoane (respectively) both signed with the Botswana premiership side, Township Rollers during the January transfer window period.
Fothoane was the VPL and Bantu leading goal-scorer, while Kum was a deadly forward Lioli ever had before.
Therefore, the two teams’ coaches, among others, are expected to have used the break to reassess their strategies, and we could see some interesting tactical battles unfold on the pitch.
That’s why the return of the VPL promises a feast of football for fans, with Matlama and Lioli leading the charge, and other teams hungry to make their mark, thus the second round is set to be an exciting and unpredictable affair.
VPL Weekend fixture at a glance;
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Liphakoe FC vs Matlama FC (Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena) 14:00
Lijabatho FC vs Bantu FC (Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena) 16:30
LDF FC vs LCS FC (Ratjomose Ground) 16:00
Lifofane FC vs Manonyane FC (Botha-Bothe) 16:00
Sunday, February 9, 2025
LU FC vs Majantja FC (Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena) 14:00
Machokha FC vs Lioli FC (Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena) 16:30
LMPS FC vs ACE Maseru FC (PTC Ground) 16:00
Linare FC vs Mzamane FC (DiFA Leribe Stadium) 16:00
