Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Lioli’s efforts to successfully defend their premier league title could suffer a major blow with head coach, Mosholu “Shoes” Mokhothu, poised to leave the club in January due to work commitments. A hurting Mokhothu, who is employed by Lesotho Correctional Service, told this paper that he has been transferred to work in Botha Bothe and could part ways with the premier league champions in the New Year.
“This is a very painful situation, but for now I’m still here with the club and the target is to make sure that when I leave Lioli is still at the top of the table,” Mokhothu said. “I want to leave this club with something to remember and we still on the right track to finishing the first round as the best team in the country. Mokhothu who guided Lioli to their first league title in 24 years during the 2008/09 season told this paper that coaching remains his passion and will not quit even when he is placed in Botha Bothe.
He has also led LCS to two successive league titles before rejoining Tse Nala at the start of the 2012/13 season. The league winning coach said the move is very heartbreaking for his coaching career, but will remain committed to serving football. “Football is my life and I will continue to coach even in Botha Bothe,” said Mokhothu. Lioli communications and marketing manager, Moeketsi Pitso, told this paper that indeed Mokhothu has informed the team that he could be vacating his position in January.
“No final decision has been made as to who will replace the current coach when he leaves the club in January, but we will definitely have somebody who understands our philosophy and culture,” Pitso said. “His departure is going to leave a big gap at the club because he is one of a few coaches that understand our culture,” said Pitso.
He told this paper that identifying coaches that can bring success at Tse Nala has become at problem, but they are confident they will get the right candidate. The club’s technical director, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, who led the club to the league championship last season, could step back into the job as Tse Nala hope to make two league titles in a row.
Lioli is at the top of the table and enjoys a four point’s advantage to their rivals Bantu on second position ahead of this afternoon’s top of the table clash between the two rivals.
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