Mikia Kalati
Bantu are not in a hurry to appoint a new coach and could let Mosito Matela and Caswell Moru lead the team on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.
The Mafeteng premier league giants fired head-coach Katiso Mojakhomo early this month due to poor results, and speculation had been rife the club would reappoint Motlatsi Shale to the post.
Shale, who led A Matšo Matebele to their first premier league title in 2013/14, left Bantu five months ago after the club decided not to renew his contract.
However, after an indifferent start to the season—in which Bantu won two, drew two and lost one of their five matches of the 2015/16 campaign—Mojakhomo was shown the door.
But according to the club’s public relations officer, Motlatsi Mofokeng, a new coach was not a priority at the moment and management discussed the issue with supporters at the weekend.
Mofokeng on Monday told the Lesotho Times: “We had a meeting with our supporters on Sunday to update them about the latest developments within the club.
“We told them a new coach could be appointed after the Top4 tournament next month and that in the meantime, Ntate Matela and Ntate Moru would be in charge on a caretaker basis.
“The two coaches have a good understanding of the club and we believe the team will still be competitive under their leadership.”
Mofokeng continued: “It is also possible the two could be in charge of the team for the whole season and a new coach only brought in next season, if at all necessary.
“It is a tricky situation, but management will do what is best for the team. We have a number of options for the job, but for now, the focus is on getting the team back on track.”
As for Shale’s return, Mofokeng could not say if he was among the possible candidates for the coaching job.
“There was a lot to discuss during Sunday’s meeting with the supporters. The intention is to get the team back to winning ways and because we value our supporters, that’s why we had to have this meeting with them and map the way together. We feel that was achieved on Sunday,” Mofokeng said.
“The belief among the Bantu family is still there despite the team’s poor start to the season. We are convinced we can turn things around and make Bantu a force to reckon with once again.”
Bantu are seventh on the 14-team premiership table, and Mofokeng believes it is still too early to rule the team out of the title race.
After winning the premiership in 2013/14, Bantu ended in second term last season, with Lioli winning the coveted title.
Meanwhile, Mofokeng has revealed the club would listen to offers for former Likuena defender, Thabo Masualle, who has been suspended by the club due to disciplinary issues.