By: Selengoane Lebaka
Matlama Football Club won the Econet Premier League (EPL) last Saturday at Setsoto stadium by defeating a tame Linare Football Club 2 – 0.
A goal from Motebang Sera in the first half and an own goal from Koenehelo Mothala in the second half ensured the wrapping up of the game before the final whistle. This not only calmed the pressure on Matlama FC, but ensured that the Bantu FC victory in the other fixture was meaningless.
The EPL was the first major trophy of the Matlama FC head coach, Thabile Secker only at the age of 44 years.
“Today is a very special day for me and a remarkable way of starting my coaching career by winning the EPL trophy. I am very content with the players for pulling out such a performance especially because I had to attend personal matters for most of last week. So this means I could not change much in terms of tactics in preparation for this game”, Said Mr Secker.
Secker was pleased with his players for they understood one another very well hence good communication aided their win. This was seen for most of the game when Matlama FC enjoyed a free flowing football much to the delight of their fans.
Matlama FC Captain Phafa Tšosane was thrilled with the team’s achievement as they worked very hard. The players were determined to win this trophy hence pushed to the limit and approached each game like a final.
“I want to credit the Matlama FC fans for supporting the team throughout the whole season. Leading to the conclusion of the season we slipped up and Bantu Football Club capitalized and this worried and inflicted pressure on the team, hence tempered with our determination. But football being football they also slipped and we took the lead in the league standings and never looked back”, Tšosane revealed.
Tšosane felt poised to earn a chance of playing in the Confederations of African Football Champions League again after a seven year wait from 2012 just after singing for the club.
The Right Honorable Prime Minister Thomas Motsoahae Thabane and his wife ‘Maesaea Thabane graced the medal awarding and handing over of the EPL trophy to Matlama FC.
Mr Secker’s contract expires in June 2019 but winning a league trophy for Matlama FC after such a long drought may score him a contract renewal. He could not reveal the future plans for Matlama FC in reference to the CAF Champions League and pre-season on that note.
Lesotho Sports Blizz 