Bantu FC have been crowned champions of the Vodacom Premier League in Lesotho following a 3-0 victory over Lifofane as the curtain came down on the 2022/23 season.

A Matso Matebele, as the Mafeteng based outfit are affectionately known in the Kingdom, needed a point going into the weekend’s final matches to seal their fifth league title.

They clinched the championship with 68 points from 30 games while Linare, now under the mentorship of experienced gaffer, Leslie Notsi beat LDF 2-0 to finish the campaign in second position with 63 points.

Bantu have been under the tutelage of Bob Mafoso, who replaced South Africa born Abram Moeketsi Mongoya towards the end of the season.

The Mafeteng based outfit’s last league title success came during the 2020/21 season in a campaign that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Linare, who have gone over three decades without winning the league title alongside last season runners up, LDF gave Bantu a run for their money in the final games of the season.

Last season champions, Matlama FC finished the campaign in sixth position having accumulated 56 points, but there was something to smile about for their veteran forward Jane Thabantšo, who finished the season as the top goal-scorer.

He will share the golden boot with LCS youngster, Hlomelang Lebina, with each player having scored 15 goals.

Katleho Makateng was the winner of the golden boot in the previous season with 20 goals, which opened doors for him to secure a move to the DSTV Premiership in South Africa, where he plays for Richards Bay.

At the bottom of the table, Swallows FC and Galaxy have been relegated from the Premier League and will next season play their football in the A Division.

By Mikia Kalati