LDF veteran Pheko mulls retirement

MASERU — LDF stalwart Malefetsane Pheko, 38, is mulling retirement after almost 20 years in the game.
Pheko is the most decorated player in the local game having won a remarkable six league winner’s medals with the Ratjomose outfit.
Last season Pheko was once again a vital cog in the soldier’s machine as Sohle-Sohle finished second to LCS on the Vodacom Premier League log on goal difference.
However, there has been uncertainty over Pheko’s future and whether he would keep playing this season, especially with the top-flight set to be more competitive than ever.
LDF have already phased out old war-horses Lire Phiri and Maliehe Lesoetsa and introduced fresh blood into their set-up.
Pheko himself had previously hinted that he would consider hanging up his boots at the end of the 2010/11 season but this week he told the Lesotho Times he was still unsure.
He has the option to go into coaching.
But all this depends on whether he receives a coaching badge after undergoing a course ahead of the new season which kicks off on August 27.
“Only then can I make a firm decision. I can’t confirm at the moment what I will do. My situation will be clear after August (after a coaching course),” Pheko said in an interview last week.
Pheko said his main focus in the coming season would be to help LDF coach Motheo Mohapi.
Mohapi was the head coach this past season but didn’t have an official assistant coach, with Pheko and Lesoetsa filling in as senior advisers.
“My aim is to help the coach because I have seen that he struggles when he is alone,” Pheko said.
“But there are games where I feel I might have to
play depending on the opposition. But very soon I hope I will be able to announce what I will do.”
Pheko has played for Sohle-Sohle since 1992.
Previously he played for
Teyateyaneng giants Lioli.