…despite unsatisfactory start
Leemisa Thuseho
NEWLY appointed Maroala coach, Molebatsi Mothobi, has vowed to turn the team’s fortunes around and help it stay in the country’s premier soccer league.
Mothobi was announced as head coach of league newcomers Maroala on Tuesday this week, replacing former mentor Bahlakoana Mohoanyane, who joined Vodacom Premier League defending champions Lioli last month.
Mothobi joins Maroala from A Division side Rangers FC of Thaba-Tseka.
In his first match yesterday, Mothobi suffered a heavy 6–1 defeat at the hands of Lijabatho in Morija.
One of the country’s top coaches and a holder of a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Licence, Mothobi is no stranger to Premier League football. He has previously coached giants Matlama, whom he led to the league title in the 2021/22 season. He has also served as assistant coach at LMPS, Lijabatho and Linare.
Mothobi now faces the daunting task of steering Maroala to winning ways, collecting crucial points and improving their position on the log standings. With the first round of the league concluding this weekend, Maroala are sitting third from bottom, having accumulated nine points from three wins.
Since earning promotion from the A Division at the beginning of the season, Maroala have struggled to find their footing. If the situation does not improve, they risk being dragged into the relegation zone at the end of the campaign.
As a result, Mothobi has been handed the responsibility of ensuring the club survives in the Premier League.
In an interview with the Lesotho Times following his appointment, Mothobi said he was ready for the challenge and confident that Maroala have the quality to finish the season in a respectable position.
“Maroala FC is not a bad team, maybe there are just a few things that need to be fixed,” Mothobi said.
“I watched a few of their games from the beginning of the season. They have good talent, which makes life easier for any coach to mould.
“My plan is to awaken the sleeping giant in them. I believe it is possible for them to maintain their status in the Premier League. My personal goal is to move them higher than expected.”
He urged Maroala supporters and the club’s leadership to rally behind the team during this difficult period.
“The Maroala family should stay calm, cool and collected. It’s not going to be a quick change from the current struggles.
“Their continued support to the team will be a huge advantage. The 12th player is always the supporters. With humility and good spirit, things can turn faster than expected. We need their support because we are their servants, trying to make them happy.”
Mothobi believes the league has become highly competitive, stressing that there are no longer “small teams” in the Premier League. He cited Lifofane, Lijabatho and Majantja as examples of clubs currently outperforming traditional giants such as Lioli, Matlama and Bantu.
“Modern football needs a well-focused team. Anything is possible. Our Premier League title is open to any team because performance levels are now equal,” he said.
“Lifofane, Lijabatho and Majantja have shown that things have changed in football.”
