MASERU — League champions Lioli have completed the signing of Roma Rovers forward Seenyane Nthejane for a club record fee of M6 000.
The deal is one of the most expensive transfers in Lesotho, although it falls M4 000 short of what LCS paid for Lawrence Molengoane last season.
Terms and conditions have been agreed between Lioli and Rovers.
The player is expected to sign on the dotted line next Monday.
The transfer fee will be paid in instalments until the start of the Premier League’s second round.
“We have finalised the deal,” Lioli public relations officer Moeketsi Pitso told the Lesotho Times yesterday.
Nthejane has already begun training with his new teammates and could make his debut for “Tse Nala” when they face Nyenye Rovers in the MGC Supa 8 on Sunday.
The 19-year-old captained Rovers and was the club’s top scorer last season.
Mthejane becomes Lioli’s first major signing for the new season, with the league champions still in negotiations over Matlama duo Nkau Lerotholi and Lekhotla Pitso as well as Mphatlalatsane’s Kopano Tseka.
Meanwhile, Joy midfielder Moli Lesesa’s future remains in the balance with Nyenye Rovers continuing their pursuit of the 24-year-old. He enjoyed a successful 2008/09 season and has attracted interest from numerous clubs.
However, it is Nyenye Rovers who are favoured to land the linkman.
Despite their reluctance to sell “a very important player” Joy team manager Tšepang Molapo admitted that Lesesa’s departure was a possibility.
“Nyenye asked us about the availability of Moli and we told them what we expect but they haven’t come back to us. For now Moli is a Joy player,” Molapo said.
Newly appointed Nyenye Rovers coach Motlalepula Majoro however downplayed his team’s interest in Lesesa.
“I haven’t pursued it (Lesesa’s signing) and as things stand he will not be joining our team,” he said.
In the inbox for Joy are goalkeeper Nkotoko Matla who has rejoined after a loan spell at Roaring Lions and utility player Tšepo Thejane who arrives on loan from Leribe rivals Linare.
The Premier League’s other new boys, Bantu, are looking to make a splash in the transfer market too.
After adding experienced midfielder Moses Ramofole to their ranks, the Mafeteng outfit are now hunting Likhopo quartet Daniel Jousse, Mokone Marabe, Mapheelle Rangoako and Tefo Maipati.
