MASERU — Vodacom Premier League champions Matlama have reinstated Ntebele Taole as head coach, ending speculation over his future with the club.
Taole, affectionately known as Tata, was suspended from the club on August 25 pending a hearing into a raft of charges which Matlama have not divulged.
The 57-year-old coach resumed duty on Monday and will lead the Glamour Boys in their league opener against Lerotholi on Saturday.
The decision to reinstate Taole was made by Matlama’s executive committee on Sunday.
“We met at Pitso Ground and agreed to continue (with Taole) as if nothing had happened in the past two weeks,” Matlama spokesman Lesolle Phalatsi told the Lesotho Times.
“We discussed many issues and reached a decision that he is coming back to the team,” he said.
Phalatsi would however not reveal the charges that were levelled against their championship-winning coach.
“I cannot really disclose the charges that were laid against him because these are internal issues,” he said.
“We are people working together and must not embarrass each other.
“I cannot tell the public the most kept secrets within the team.
“If someone was suspended it definitely shows that there was something to be ironed out.”
After his suspension, Taole claimed the decision had been made after he chased away a player, Khotso Moketa, who the club allegedly wanted to sign — without consulting him first.
“We’ve reached an amicable solution to all our problems and all sides were satisfied with the decision,” Phalatsi said.
There were fears the uncertainty over Taole’s future with the club would affect Matlama’s bid to defend their league title this season.
But not so, according to Phalatsi.
“His absence has not affected our preparations at all because Matlama is not a one-man team,” Phalatsi said.
“Everything we do, we do collectively as a team,” he said.
