Teboho Molapo
MASERU — Mokoena Mohale (pictured left) is set to be unveiled as Matlama head coach this afternoon, the Sunday Express has learnt.
Matlama’s communication and marketing manager, Lesolle Phalatsi, yesterday refused to confirm Mohale’s pending appointment.
“That will be discussed and seen tomorrow,” was all Phalatsi could say when asked for comment.
But impeccable sources within the Matlama camp said Mohale was likely to be unveiled as the new coach this afternoon.
They said Mohale is expected to be sitting on the team’s bench when Matlama engage in a pre-season four-team tournament this afternoon.
The other three sides that are taking part in the tournament are newly-promoted side Majantja, First Division side Qoaling Highlanders and South African First Division side, United FC.
The tournament is at Setsoto Stadium.
According to the sources, former Lioli coach Halemakale Mahlaha will make a dramatic return to Tse Putsoa as Mohale’s assistant.
Mahlaha left Matlama under a cloud in 2009 and was sacked as Lioli coach in March.
He is currently the assistant coach of the national Under-17 side Bahlabani.
There has been speculation over the past few months as to who would land the Tse Putsoa top job.
Mohale’s appointment ends Matlama’s three-month search for a head coach after Motlalepula “Maradona” Majoro left the club in April.
It will be Mohale’s second stint as coach after he took charge of the team following Ntebele Taole’s departure at the beginning of last season.
Matlama won the league and cup double in the 2009/10 season under the tutelage of Taole with Mohale as his assistant.
However Taole was sacked weeks into the new season and the club endured a disastrous 2010/11 term surrendering both the Vodacom Soccer Spectacular and premiership crowns.
The side finished the season outside the Top Four.
Mohale took over from Taole in October but quit barely weeks into his job.
Then came Mahao Matete in November but he too didn’t last long, leaving the job in March citing abuse from supporters.
After Majoro’s departure in April, Tse Putsoa finished the season under a four-man coaching team of senior players — Matsoai Shokhoe, Lehlohonolo Mokhele, Sello Seholoholo and Nkau Lerotholi.
The new season is set to be an important one for Matlama, the country’s most successful side, as they return to their home Pitso Ground.
They look to once again challenge for major honours after a disappointing 2010/11 campaign.
Meanwhile, Matlama starlets Litšepe Marabe and Tšoanelo Koetle could be on the verge of joining Likuena international Bushy Moletsane at Botswana side Flamengo Santos.
The two are currently on trials at the club.
Phalatsi yesterday said they were in contact with Santos.
Marabe and Koetle have impressed over the last two years with the national Under-20 side, the Makoanyane XI.
Two weeks ago Matlama Phalatsi admitted Matlama had allowed some players to go on trials.
Meanwhile, Moletsane’s future at Santos is much clearer after the Botswana side said they were happy to have him back after he spent the past season on loan at Botswana Police XI.
The former Lioli ace has been plying his trade in Botswana for the last two seasons and joined Flamengo Santos in 2009.
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