Maseru, May 18 — The Berea outfit Lioli FC clinched 9th League championship after playing 1-1 all draw with Matlama.
This last game of the 2023/2024 season was played at the packed Lioli FC ground in Teyateyaneng on Saturday.
After a tense but entertaining first half which ended with no goals, the home team was the first to break the deadlock in the second half with Sihle Mazo capitalizing on Matlama’s loss of ball possession in the middle of the park.
However, Matlamas never surrendered as they applied more pressure on Lioli up until Phafa Tsosane equalised with a clinical header midway through the second half.
Lioli managed to keep Matlama at bay until the final whistle after which the home team supporters burst with wild celebrations.
Speaking in a post game interview, Lioli FC Head Coach Lieutenant colonel Motheo Mohapi said he was happy to have achieved his mandate of restoring Liolis image.
However he said the match marked his last association with the club.
He said this last game brought smiles not only on the Lioli followers and management but to also the Berea district community who made their fortunes by selling items on the day.
He said whoever that would be appointed to takeover the coaching reigns will inherit a youthful team with discipline.
Matlama Coach, Mr. Halemakale Mahlaha congratulated Lioli for being crowned the new Vodacom Premier league champions.
However he lamented for having fluffed many scoing chances in the first half.
He also singled out many unnecessary draws Matlama played, making an example with last weekend one all draw against Lesotho Correctional Service.
He also believe that whoever will be appointed to takeover the coaching reigns will inherit a team with good players.
Lioli FC is the second best successful team in the country in terms of league titles having won after Matlama which is the most decorated team with a total of 12 league titles to Lioli 9 to date.
Lioli FC will smile to the the bank with M650,000 first prize money plus a trophy and gold medals.
Matlama FC will settle for silver medals plus M350,000 for being the Vodacom Premier league runners up.
By winning the Vodacom Vodacom Premier league, Lioli have qualified to represent the country in next season’s CAF champions league.
