. . . Bantu, Lioli and Mpharane Celtics already active on transfer market

Moorosi Tsiane

Premier League champions Bantu, Lioli and Mpharane Celtics have made early moves on the transfer market in preparation for the 2014/15 football season.

Bantu face a busy schedule next season as they are also involved in the African Champions League, hence the need to boost their squad with quality players.

The Sunday Express understands Bantu are trying to lure three key Likhopo players — goalkeeper Kananelo Makhooane and defenders Lekhooa Salebone and Seperiti Malefane — as well as Qoaling Highlanders captain Tšeliso Ramathe.
All the four players were at Bantu’s gala-dinner held at Maseru Sun Hotel last weekend.

However, Bantu coach, Motlatsi Shale, could not be drawn to comment on the issue, only joking he was responsible for the players’ development and would always be close to them.
“I have taught these boys almost everything they know about football.
“They know wherever I am, they will enjoy their game.
“It goes beyond just playing football, which is why you will always see them around me at many activities and events; I actually invite them,” Shale said.

However, while Bantu are trying to sign new players, sources have also suggested the club could lose top goal-scorer Tsebang Lebata and players’ player of the season, Hopolang Mohlalefi, to Celtics.

Mpharane Celtics are now under the ownership of famous traditional healer, Thato Nkone, who is widely known as Sandawana.
Nkone has since appointed Makoanyane XI coach, Moses Maliehe, to take charge of the team.

While Maliehe could also not mention specific players, he however, said the club was on a massive rebuilding exercise as it worked on becoming one of the biggest sides in the Premier League.
“Yes; the cheque-book has been opened and I am faced with the very tough task of transforming this team from an ordinary side to a very competitive outfit capable of challenging for honours.
“My bosses have assigned me to go into the market and find young players who are willing to move to Butha-Buthe, where the team will be based,” Maliehe said.

Asked specifically about the Bantu duo of Lebata and Mohlalefi, the national under-20 team coach said: “I cannot comment on the players you are talking about at the moment, but all I can tell you is I have been monitoring a lot of youngsters from different teams and following their progress.”

Meanwhile, Lioli have already announced the signing of former Matlama defender, Mkhwanazi Mkhwanazi, who was on loan at Mpharane Celtics.