…Secker roped in to save VPL giants
Leemisa Thuseho
MASERU-based Vodacom Premier League giants, Matlama FC, have made a coaching shake-up as they seek to turn their fortunes around in the 2025/26 season.
The club has taken the bold decision to terminate the contracts of head coach Shalane Lehohla and his assistant, Sello Seholoholo, following the team’s shaky performances in the league.
“Coach Shalane Lehohla and his assistant coach Sello Seholoholo have parted ways with the team,” Matlama announced.
“They were handed their contract termination letters today (Tuesday).”
Shalane was appointed at the beginning of the ongoing campaign, in June last year on a one-year deal. However, his stint proved difficult, with Matlama currently sitting in seventh position with 24 points from 15 matches.
While there was still hope that results would improve, a recent four-game winless run forced the club’s management to act.
Since losing 2–1 in the hands of Bantu in December last year, Matlama are yet to register a victory. They followed that defeat with a 1–1 draw against Majantja. Two weeks back, they were held to a shock 1–1 draw by league newcomers Members, before playing out a goalless draw against Liphakoe on 17 January.
Upon his arrival, Shalane had opted for a massive rebuild of the squad, releasing several senior players and committing to a long-term vision that focused on signing young talent, mostly from lower-division teams.
While it was clear that his intention was to build a team for the future, the Matlama family appeared to lack patience and demanded immediate results. This pressure ultimately influenced management’s decision to part ways with him.
Matlama has subsequently appointed former coach, Thabile Secker, as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
The club’s communication and marketing manager, Themba Talane, confirmed Secker’s appointment.
“Secker has been appointed as interim coach for the remainder of the season,” Talane said.
He added that Secker is yet to inform management of his preferred choice for an assistant coach.
However, the Lesotho Times has learnt that Dlomo Monaphathi will serve as his assistant. Monaphathi was still part of Shalane coaching staff.
Meanwhile, former Likuena and LCS goalkeeper coach, Sam Kh’etsekile, is set to be appointed goalkeeper coach. Kh’etsekile was announced to have parted ways with LCS earlier this month.
Secker is no stranger to Matlama, having previously coached the club to a league title in the 2018/19 season. He now faces the daunting task of steadying the sinking ship and guiding the team back into the league title race.
His first test will be against Manonyane at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on Sunday.
