Leemisa Thuseho
LEAGUE giants, Lioli FC, could soon face a lawsuit from former coach Bongani Maseko, who reportedly feels forced to resign.
Lioli confirmed Maseko’s resignation, which comes shortly after his suspension last week following a series of disappointing results.
The Lesotho Times has learned that Maseko regards the suspension as constructive dismissal and is reportedly consulting his lawyers about the possibility of taking legal action against the Vodacom Premier League defending champions.
Following his suspension, Lioli’s management instructed Maseko to continue reporting to the office but barred him from overseeing training sessions, which will now be led by his assistants.
The decision came after a disappointing 0–0 draw against Manonyane two weeks ago in Nyakosoba, following a 1–1 draw with LDF in a midweek catch-up match in Maputsoe on 26 November 2025.
Lioli assistant coach Kenny Mohoanyane was subsequently tasked with leading the team, guiding them to a 1-0 win over Machokha on Saturday in Maputsoe.
A source told the Lesotho Times that Maseko was unhappy with the suspension and felt unfairly treated, a situation that ultimately forced his resignation.
“The matter is not as simple as it is being explained, and the coach is currently seeking advice from his legal team before making any move,” the source said.
Attempts to reach Maseko for comment were unsuccessful. However, Lioli general manager Lekhooa Thabaneng confirmed that Maseko resigned with immediate effect. The executive committee had not yet met to discuss his resignation or the way forward.
“He has resigned with immediate effect, but the committee is yet to meet to discuss the issue and chart a way forward,” Thabaneng said.
Maseko, from South Africa, joined Lioli ahead of the ongoing 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League season on a one-year contract, replacing Motheo Mohapi, who resigned at the end of last season to join rivals Bantu.
Maseko faced the challenge of filling the big shoes left by Mohapi, who led Lioli to back-to-back league titles in 2023/24 and 2024/25. Under Maseko’s tenure, Lioli played 10 league games, winning five, drawing three, and losing two.
During his short stint, Maseko also led Lioli to success in cup competitions. He guided the team to victory in the 2025 Maluti Mountain Cement Charity (MMCC) in October, adding to earlier triumphs in the TJ Nthane Soccer Tournament in June and the Alliance Challenge in August.
Additionally, Maseko led Lioli in the CAF Champions League two-legged encounter against South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in September, where the team lost 3-0 in the first leg and 4-0 in the second leg.
