Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Football supporters came from all corners of the country to bid farewell to former Likuena star striker Sello “Scalo” Muso who was laid to rest at an emotional ceremony in Lepereng in Maseru yesterday.
The funeral was attended by among others, legendary former Likuena captain Tšepo Hlojeng, Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) executive committee member, Rantsubise Matete, and former association vice-president Tlholo Letete and public relations officer, Baba Malephane, and many others.
Muso’s former teammate and friend Bushy Moletsane said he will forever cherish the friendship he had with his late friend. “I still do not believe that he is gone for good, we will remember him for the good player he was,” Moletsane said. The emotional Lioli midfield maestro said the death of his friend had left a huge gap in his life as their friendship was not only in the field of play.
Matete described Muso as a rare talent to have come out of this country. “He entertained us, gave us good memories and wrote his name in the history books of our football,” Matete said. He said a lot was still expected from Muso who was one of the most gifted players of his era. “He was such a nice, humble young man and his death surprised us all.
Likhopo team manager, Qamako Mahao, said Muso’s passing away had left a huge gap at the club as he was now among the seniors players. “His passing away should be an eye opener to us football administrators to look after the players,” Mahao said. “It’s a sad situation because a lot should have come out of his talent, but football bosses are busy fighting unending battles instead of helping players make the best out of their talent,” he said.
“His boots will be big to fill. “However we remain hopeful that more talented players will continue to come from our development teams,” said Mahao. Muso started his career with his home team Tšenola United before a stint with Ambassadors. The former league champion with Likhopo and Lioli announced his arrival on the big stage of the premier league at Likhopo where he helped Bishop Malatoli’s side win two back-to-back league titles.
Muso soon caught the attention of the national teams’ selectors and featured in all the national youth teams and the national team. He was one of the key players when Lesotho qualified for the Caf African Youth Championship held in Benin in 2005. He also had a successful spell with Lioli helping the Teyateyaneng-based team to their first trophy in 23 years when they won the Top 8 tournament under the mentorship of Leslie Notši.
Muso played a pivotal role as Lioli won the league title in the 2008-09 season ending a 24-year drought for the country’s biggest football prize. Muso also featured for Likuena in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and also tasted the Caf Champions’ League football with Likhopo. The striker passed away after scoring a goal in his last two matches with one of them being the fastest goal of the season.
‘Scalo, as the player was affectionately known was back in the books of his old club Likhopo after falling out with management at Tse Nala. He also had trials with South African sides Ajax Cape Town, Supersport United and Free State Stars.
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