The curtain has officially fallen on the 2024/25 Vodacom Premier League season and it ended with a familiar roar, as Lioli were crowned champions for a second consecutive year.
Their triumph, however, was far from a season-long stroll. It was a tale of resilience, opportunism and a late surge that capitalised on a dramatic collapse by long-time league leaders Matlama.
Champions, But Not Always in Control
For much of the campaign, all eyes were on 11-time league champions Matlama.
Lesotho’s most successful club, who last won the title in 2021, looked destined to reclaim their place at the top of domestic football. ‘Tse Putsoa’ dominated headlines and led the premiership for more than two-thirds of the season.
However, the final stretch saw their promising title chase unravel in spectacular fashion, opening the door for Lioli to stage a calculated comeback.
Lioli took control of their destiny after match-day 24 when Lioli beat Bantu 3-1 on April 26 and Matlama lost 1-0 to Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) the following day.
It was a watershed moment.
Lioli jumped to the top of the league for the first time and seized the opportunity with the precision of a team that had been preparing for the moment all along.
Under the astute guidance of head coach Motheo Mohapi, the Teyateyaneng (TY) giants showed strategic patience – never letting the gap to first place get too big ahead, and never panicking when they trailed. When Matlama faltered, Lioli struck.
Teyateyaneng’s Pride Rises Again
The final day of the season saw a sea of maroon and yellow flood Maputsoe where the champions were officially crowned. Thousands of ‘Tse Nala’ faithful made the journey from TY, singing and dancing in jubilant unison as they witnessed their team lift the Vodacom Premier League trophy once more. For Lioli fans, the victory was more than silverware – it was a reaffirmation of their club’s revival and long-term ambition.
Lioli’s strength this season stemmed from their unity and discipline. With experienced campaigners blending seamlessly with hungry young talent, the club has rebuilt its foundations. Just two seasons ago, ‘Tse Nala’ limped to eighth place in the league, and between 2019 and 2023, Lioli failed to finish in the top four.
Mohapi’s influence was pivotal – not just tactically, but culturally. He instilled a collective mindset focused on perseverance, humility and accountability. As a symbol of their gratitude and rootedness, Lioli is set to present the league trophy to the chief of Mamathe, honouring tradition and strengthening their bond with the community.
Matlama: From Glory to Grief
In sharp contrast, Matlama’s season ended in despair. What began as a promising campaign filled with dominance and title talk dissolved into a cautionary tale of mismanagement and internal discord.
On March 1, Matlama secured a 1-0 victory over Mzamane and, at that point, ‘Tse Putsoa’ looked good with a three-point lead with 10 matches to go.
However, reports of alcohol abuse, disrespect toward technical staff and the suspension of three senior players became the club’s undoing. The unraveling was public, messy and arguably avoidable.
Insiders have revealed a fractured locker-room where egos took precedence over teamwork. Communication broke down, discipline waned and the club – despite sitting at the summit for most of the season – imploded when unity was most needed.
The aftermath has sparked urgent calls within the club to re-evaluate its structures, leadership and culture. With so much promise wasted, the off-season will be a time of soul-searching for Lesotho’s most decorated side.
A League Marred by Indiscipline
Unfortunately, Matlama’s woes weren’t isolated. The 2024/25 season saw a troubling rise in indiscipline across the Vodacom Premier League. Perhaps most alarming was an incident involving players from the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), who were accused of physically assaulting a female medic from Lifofane during a heated fixture. The episode shocked the football community and highlighted a growing need for stricter regulations and swift punitive action from the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC).
While the Vodacom Premier League continues to grow in competitiveness and visibility, these behavioural issues risk tarnishing its reputation and hindering progress. For the league to continue on a professional path, clubs must embrace a culture of respect, discipline and responsibility – on and off the pitch.
Looking Ahead to 2025/26
As Lioli celebrate their hard-earned triumph, the rest of the league has already begun plotting for next season. Bantu, LDF, and LCS will be among the teams eager to close the gap while Matlama will aim for redemption – if they can repair the damage within.
The Vodacom Premier League has proven once again that football in Lesotho is unpredictable, emotionally charged and full of rich storylines. From heartbreak to heroics, the 2024/25 season reminded everyone that championships are not just won on the field – they are won in the locker-room, in leadership meetings and in moments of adversity.
For now, Lioli reign supreme. But, their rivals Matlama, Bantu, and others, will be gunning for their crown next season.
Tlalane Phahla
