Teboho Molapo

MASERU — Likhopo striker Thapelo Tale is set to leave for Serbia for trials with second division side FK Srem.
This was confirmed by Likhopo manager Qamako Mahao in an interview with the Sunday Express yesterday.
“On my part I have finished everything; the one thing that is outstanding is his visa. He is going for trials.
“It’s only when he has passed the assessment that we can discuss a possible deal,” Mahao said.
This is the second time that the gifted player has gone for trials in Serbia.
Tale went AWOL in April last year for two months and it later surfaced that the player had sneaked out of the country for trials in Serbia.
The secretive trials were organised by former Likuena coach Zavisa Milosavljevic.
Apart from Tale two other local players, Nkau Lerotholi and Thapelo Mokhehle, also went for the trials.
The three were said to have been courted by Milosavljevic after catching the Serbian’s eye during his 16-month stint as Lesotho’s senior team coach.
Tale first got a chance to showcase his skills with FK Jagodina in April last year before moving on to FK Srem to try his luck.
Although he impressed officials at FK Srem the player could not secure a deal after Likhopo and the team failed to agree on terms.
It is understood that Likhopo wanted to release their prized possession on loan while the Serbians wanted him permanently.
Tale made his Likuena debut in 2008 winning five caps and scoring two goals.
He has also represented Lesotho at the Under-17 and Under-20 level.
Tale’s attempts to secure a move overseas follows on the heels of Lioli winger, Montoeli Sonopo’s imminent move to Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Likuena could be back in action next month if the Swaziland national coach has his way.
National Football Association of Swaziland chief executive officer, Frederick Mngomezulu, last week said a match against Lesotho was a possibility.
Mngomezulu said Sihlangu were organising two international friendly games for the national team to boost their preparations for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.
“Fifa Day is on August 12 and we are hoping to have played an international friendly.
“I am aware that the coach has requested Lesotho and Botswana and that is under consideration,” he told the media in Swaziland.