Bantu chase Lioli duo

By Sunday Express On Jul 11, 2017

LDF midfielder Molefe Lekoekoe (midle) evades Lioli duo of Kopano Tseka (left) and Tsoanelo Koetle (right) in this file picture

Moorosi Tsiane

VODACOM Premier League champions Bantu are after the signatures of Lioli star players, Tšoanelo Koetle and Tumelo Khutlang, Sunday Express can reveal.

This newspaper has been reliably informed that Bantu held talks with the duo and agreed terms.

However, Bantu vice president Molefi Lengosane denied talking to the players, saying “We can’t talk to another club’s players without a go ahead from their team”.

He however, confirmed writing to Lioli inquiring about the availability of Khutlang.

“Our team is set for hectic schedule this season and our target is to win as many cups on offer,” Lengosane said in an interview with this publication on Friday.

“That means we need to boost our squad with quality players and there is no doubt that Khutlang would be a good addition.

“He is a complete player and his experience would help us especially in the CAF Champions League because the aim is to outdo our 2015 performance where we got knocked out in the first stage.”

Lengosane was coy over the Koetle issue, saying, “For now let’s talk about Khutlang not the other player”.

“That can be a topic for another day but like I said, we want to sign quality players.”

Lioli general manager, Hlalele Matobako confirmed receiving the letter from Bantu but he was quick to point out that Khutlang was not for sale.

“We received their letter and it was only about Khutlang. But those two are not for sale as they are still in our coach’s plans and they also have a contract with us.

He said they were likely to respond to Bantu by the end of the week.

Matobako said they needed Khutlang to help them regain the championship they last won in the 2015/2016 season.

“Remember we lost the league title to Bantu last season and the target is to reclaim it.

“So how will we do that if we release key players? Khutlang is valuable to us and we are going to need him this season,” he said.

The players could not be reached for comment as they are currently away on national duty at the ongoing COSAFA Cup in South Africa.