Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU — Former Likuena mentor Mafa Ramakau has joined Lesotho Correctional Services Football Club as head-coach on a six-month renewable contract.
Ramakau — popularly known as Ribbo in the local football fraternity — began his tenure on Wednesday, taking Masheshena players through their paces at the Central Prisons Ground in Maseru.
Ramakau was appointed ahead of former Likuena player Teele Nts’onyane and Lehlohonolo Thotanyana who were also interested in the job.
The move to engage Ramakau comes two months after LCS fired then coach, Katiso Mojakhomo following a string of poor results.
LCS spokesperson Moseme Moseme told the Sunday Express Ramakau’s appointment was based on his performances while still with the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and senior national team.
“We urgently need his services as an experienced coach,” Moseme said.
“His engagement was done based on his impressive track record and discipline,” he said.
Moseme said Ramakau’s mission was restoring Masheshena’s lost pride by winning the 2009/10 Vodacom Premier League title.
“He has been tasked with bringing the team’s glory days back by winning the current premier league championship,” Moseme said.
Meanwhile, Ramakau told the Sunday Express he was confident Masheshena would claim domestic football’s most coveted prize, this season.
“I believe I have enough time to get the best out of the team,” Ramakau said, adding his knowledge of the team’s type of play would make the job that much easier.
“I know the timeframe is just too limited but knowing their style of play, we will win this title,” he said.
Ramakau started his coaching career at Lesotho Paramilitary Forces Football Club (now LDF) in 1979, presiding over the team’s most successful era until his retirement after 20 years in 2000.
Ramakau has — among other honours — won eight league titles (1983, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999); the Independence Cup (1995, 1997, 1999) and the Top 8 championship in 1997.
He acquired a coaching diploma in Germany in 1997, and was made assistant national team coach on his return, eventually taking over as Likuena head coach the following year.
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