MASERU — Lehlomela Ramabele, first division side Mabeoana’s top marksman, has been snapped up by Botswana Premier League team Botswana Defence Force XI on a two-year contract.
The 20-year-old striker, who had scored 18 of Mabeaoana’s 32 league goals this season, becomes the second local player to move to Botswana’s top-flight division this season.
Lesotho international Bushy Moletsane left Lioli to join Flamengo Santos at the beginning of Botswana’s Premier League campaign in September.
Ramabele’s move was confirmed by his manager, Ben Phofane, who said Botswana Defence Force XI had an option to extend the player’s stay at the club.
“We have an agreement with them for two years,” Phofane told the Lesotho Times.
“If they want to keep the player for longer then we will have to enter further discussions.”
He said the loss of Ramabele’s firepower would not affect Mabeoana’s push for promotion to the Premier League.
“It is not something that can affect the team,” said Phofane. “Matsieng is a place where we produce players, so we will carry on.”
Without their top marksman, Mabeoana however suffered a 3-2 loss to Melele in Qacha’s Nek on Sunday.
The defeat allowed their Southern Stream rivals Arsenal to leap-frog them into first place in the standings.
Arsenal now have 35 points, three more than Mabeoana, after they beat Little Flowers 2-0.
Vodacom A-Division Southern Stream:
Results: Melele 3-2 Mabeoana, Sefothafotha 3-4 Mafeteng LMPS, Little Flowers 0-2 Arsenal, Liphakoe 0-1 Maseru Naughty Boys, Mohale’s Hoek Young Stars 4-2 Sekamaneng Young Stars.
Vodacom A-Division Northern Stream:
Results: Mokhotlong LMPS 1-1 Berea LMPS, Roaring Lions 1-1 Mpharane Celtics, Maduma 5-1 Manamela Young Stars, Butha-Buthe Warriors 3-1 Butha-Buthe Fast XI, Qalo 1-0 Lifefo.
