MASERU — Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) have suspended two key players who went AWOL on the eve of their tie against Bantu FC on Sunday.
In a statement, LCS said it was suspending midfielder Ralekoti Mokhahlane and striker Thulo Ranchobe for gross misconduct with immediate effect.
LCS general secretary, Lehlohonolo Matlosa, told the Lesotho Times yesterday that the two players went AWOL during the team’s training camp ahead of their Vodacom Soccer Spectacular return leg against Bantu in Mafeteng on Sunday.
LCS lost the tie 4-5 on penalties.
“The two were suspended after Ralekoti left camp without permission on Saturday night and came back drunk later in the evening while Ranchobe did not report for camp at all,” Matlosa said.
Efforts to get comment from the two players yesterday failed.
Matlosa however said the club was suspending the players to pave way for further investigations into the matter.
He said the matter had been forwarded to the team’s disciplinary committee and will communicate the outcome of the committee decision after the investigations.
“The disciplinary committee is already dealing with this issue and we will call a press conference to update the media and our supporters on the findings,” Matlosa said.
Mokhahlane and Ranchobe are key members of LCS and the senior national team.
Meanwhile, A Division club, Qoaling Highlanders were on Tuesday fined M2 000 after they were found guilty of harassing referee Matheola Makhobalo during the club’s league tie against Liphakoe on November 13.
“We fined Qoaling yesterday after they admitted their misconduct towards referee Makhobalo during their league game against Liphakoe a fortnight ago,” Lehlohonolo Borotho, A Division Management Committee (Admaco) public relations officer, said.
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“Qoaling is fined M2 000 of which M1 000 is payable within 30 days after receiving a written judgement. The other M1 000 is suspended until next season only if they are not found guilty of a similar offence,” Borotho said.
“They are also not supposed to play any league matches at their home ground in Qoaling or any other ground within the Qoaling area until the end of next season,” Borotho said.
The team’s fine would apply even if they are relegated or promoted at the end of the season.
Borotho said that a Qoaling Highlanders supporter, Phala Nthako, was banned from attending any football activities until the end of this season.
“If seen at any matches involving Qoaling Highlanders, home or away, Qoaling Highlanders will be fined M500 per
each match that Nthako attends during this time,” Borotho said.