. . . as SA-based Garankuwa United ends bid to sign Lioli’s Bushy Moletsane and Tšepo Lekhooana ‘for now’
Mikia Kalati
Matlama captain, Nkau Lerotholi, is set to join South African first division side, Garankuwa United, on a two-year contract this week, the Lesotho Times can reveal.
According to Matlama secretary general, Thabo Nkhahle, the two clubs sealed the deal for the highly rated defender on Monday this week.
United, previously known as United FC, are coached by former national team coach, Leslie Notši, who was instrumental in taking the defender to the Pretoria-based outfit.
“Everything has been finalised and the player is expected to leave the country this week to join his new team, once all the paperwork regarding his work-permit has been completed,” Nkhahle said.
“As Matlama, we are happy with the deal and felt it was better to let him go for his own development and also because he will be able to earn a better living through his God-given talent at Garankuwa United.”
Notši, on his part, said Lerotholi was one of the players he had identified to strengthen United in order for the Gauteng Province-based side to challenge for honours in the 2014/15 season and beyond.
“The two teams are finalising his arrival here and we are very happy to have acquired a player of his calibre,” Notši said.
“Nkau is a top-class player who brings a lot of experience, having played at the highest level of continental football with the national team.”
Notši reiterated that United had also been interested in the Lioli duo of midfielder Bushy Moletsane and striker Tšepo Lekhooana, but due to restrictive policies in signing foreign players, only Lerotholi would be joining the Pretoria outfit “at this stage”.
Contacted for comment, Lerotholi said he would only be in a position to talk more about the move once “all the paperwork” had been completed.
“By yesterday, I had already acquired the police clearance I needed to start applying for my work permit,” he said.
Meanwhile, in addition to Notši, Garankuwa United also have two Lesotho nationals on their books, namely assistant coach Lehlohonolo Thotanyana and national team winger Katleho Moleko.
Moleko joined the club on a two-year contract last month, from another South African first division side, Cape Town Santos.
