Mikia Kalati
BANTU chairman John Leuta has confirmed that the Econet Premier League champions have parted ways with Teboho ‘Shakes’ Lilane who has permanently moved to Matlama.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic youth player joins Tse Putsoa for M20 000 after a successful loan spell in the 2017/18 season.
The Bantu boss however, rubbished reports that his side demanded M40 000 for the services of the left footed midfielder and said the two teams agreed a fee of M20 000.
“We have struck a deal with Matlama and they have taken the player on a permanent deal,” Leuta confirmed.
“We sold him to them for M20 000 and everything will be completed when the money is paid.”
Matlama public relations officer Tankiso Moletsane also confirmed the deal.
He also confirmed that defenders Michael Mireku and Patrick Nyango have both penned new deals at the club after long negotiations.
The Ghanaian defenders, who came into the country to play for Sandawana, were both out of contracts at the club.
“Yes, I can confirm that we have signed Lilane on a permanent deal from Bantu. He has signed a two-year contract at Matlama.
“Mireku and Patrick have also signed new contracts and have now switched their focus to the preparations for the new season,” Moletsane said.
Bantu will begin their title defence against Sefothafotha on September 15 while Matlama take the trip to Maputsoe the following day to renew their rivalry with Linare.
Meanwhile, Leuta also confirmed that A Matšo Matebele have successfully registered Itumeleng Falene and Thabo Selila for the new season.
The two players were last season at the centre of a registration scandal. This was after Lioli lodged a complaint to the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) challenging Bantu’s use of illegally registered players in a December 2017 match.
Bantu were eventually convicted of illegally registering four more than the stipulated five foreign players. Falane and Selila were eventually deregistered along with Molaoa Pheko and Phumoha Matsipa.
However, Leuta explained that the last judgement in the case between the two teams ordered that Bantu secure the international clearance certificate (ITC) from the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) for the two players to be properly registered with the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA).
“The last judgement said the two players are Basotho who played in South Africa but must get their ITC to be registered to play in Lesotho,” Leuta said.
“They are still here and are part of the team. We are just waiting for their ITC to come through so that they are eligible to play for the team in the new season.
“They originate from this country but we were instructed to get their ITC since they had played in South Africa to be properly registered,” Leuta said.
