Bantu, Likhopo locked in transfer wrangle

MASERU — Likhopo are up in arms over the “irregular” transfer to another Premier League club of a youth international who has been training with them.
The player, Makara Ntaitsane, was released by Lerotholi on a free transfer to Bantu last week.
However, Likhopo claim the move is against the player’s wishes.
Ntaitsane has for the past month been training with Likhopo, who were hoping to register the player during this mid-season transfer window.
Likhopo manager Qamako Mahao said Ntaitsane had since written to the Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) complaining about the manner in which his transfer was handled.
“The matter has not been resolved. The player has written to the Premier League,” Mahao said.
“The boy has been released, but in a very irregular way. He was released to Bantu without his consent.
“We want to resolve this matter lawfully and we believe we can do that.”
However, Bantu said they were not aware of Ntaitsane’s grievances.
“I cannot comment about that because I am not aware of any complaints,” Bantu vice-secretary Bytrian Ramogale said yesterday.
“Likhopo have not come to us and we are still expecting him to come join us.”
Mohau said they did not see any point in approaching Bantu because the player belonged to Lerotholi.
“We did not believe that we had to include Bantu in any of this because Fokothi are the owners of the player,” he said.
Neither Ntaitsane nor Lerotholi officials were reachable for comment at the time of going to print yesterday.
Meanwhile Bantu, third on the Vodacom Premier League log, broke their transfer fee record to sign Likhopo goalkeeper Daniel Jousse for M6 000 three weeks ago.
They also signed Likalo Teele, who scored twice on his debut in Bantu’s 3-2 win over Roma Rovers two weeks ago, and Thulo Monare.
Both players were from Lerotholi.
Bantu coach Bafokeng Mohapi said he was happy with the signings but said he was still looking at making more additions.
“The players we have signed have experience of playing in the Premier League and they have all played in international games at youth level,” he said.
“They will also add competition to our side which is very important.
“Our goalkeeping situation is fine but we are still looking to strengthen the team in other areas.”