By: Sekonyela Qaitsane
If there’s a moment where Matlama FC cannot afford to make even the tiniest of mistakes it is now.
The Maseru based giants lead the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) table with only goal difference superiority over their arch-rivals Lioli FC.
The two clubs remain tied on 64 points apiece, marching into the final two games of this campaign. Matlama FC scored 50 goals, conceding just 15 while Lioli FC on the other hand, scored 44, conceding 13.
All ‘Tse Putsoa’ needs to do now is collect maximum points from their remaining fixtures. That is the easy way.
A trickier way would be if they fail to do the job for themselves and hope for Lioli FC to fumble their chances.
Either way, it all comes with immense pressure or the club’s Vice Captain Phafa Tsosane admits,
“Truth is, the remaining games are tough and the prospect of us winning this tittle puts us under even more pressure” says Ts’osane, speaking after their 1-0 win over LUCT FC at LCS grounds on Saturday
“However, we strive to maintain calmness and take it one game at a time” he continues.
Ts’osane makes a solemn promise to Matlama followers that the team will do everything in their power to bring the trophy home.
He says the morale is very high in camp and everyone is fired up to do their job and make their fans proud.
“Our supporters have been with us throughout the year and we want to dedicate this one (VPL title) to them. We are ready to do everything in our power to make that happen” he concludes.
Meanwhile, the team Coach, Halemakale Mahlaha echoes Ts’osane’s sentiments. He confesses that they are managing pressure through counselling programs for their players as well as the technical team.
This he says is to ensure that they focus on the job at hand and not be ahead of themselves in the title race that seems to be going down to the wire.
He describes this season as “highly competitive” stating that every team came prepared and ready to compete.
However, he is confident that their planning and hard work gives them an upper hand among rivals.
Mahlaha pleads with fans to keep supporting their team at this critical phase of the campaign stating that they will repay their faith in them.
The next challenge for ‘Tse Nala’ is Lifofane FC while Matlama will take on LCS next weekend.
The title will be decided in a rather interesting fashion as the two ultimate contenders will square off on match day.
Matlama will have their sight set on their record extending 12th league title, while Lioli will be hoping to reclaim their stance as one of the local “big three” having last won the premiership title 8 years ago.