Mikia Kalati
Premier League side, Mpharane Celtic, have appointed national under-20 team (Makoanyane XI) coach, Moses Maliehe, as their new head-coach.
Celtic are now under new ownership following their acquisition by popular traditional doctor, Thato Nkone, widely known as Sandawana.
Maliehe this week confirmed his new appointment, adding he had left his home-side, Lioli, where he was part of the technical team last season.
“It is true that I am now with Mpharane Celtic who are under new management,” Maliehe said.
“The offer was too good to turn down and I was also attracted by the ambitions of the club’s new management.
“I have already started working with the team and had a meeting with all the players on Saturday,” Maliehe on Monday told the Lesotho Times.
Maliehe further said the club management had made his mandate very clear.
“The management would like to see the team improve and not be fighting relegation all the time,” he said.
“That is why I’m in the hunt for new players to improve the squad. It will remain a youthful team, but I’m looking at adding a few experienced campaigners.”
Elsewhere, Lioli have confirmed the capture of former youth international, Mkwanazi Mkwanazi, from Mpharane ahead of the new season.
Tse Nala have also loaned two youngsters, Pitso Monne and Tokelo Majoro, to newly promoted side, Kick4Life.
However, the Lesotho Times understands the Teyateyaneng-based outfit could also lose some of their key players before the new season starts.
Influential midfielder Tšoanelo Koetle, striker Tšepo Lekhooana and veteran midfielder, Bushy Moletsane, have attracted interest from South African First Division teams, and could leave the club before the beginning of the 2014/15 season.
The trio were part of the national team (Likuena) that beat Liberia 2-1 to book a place in the second round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Lioli spokesperson, Moeketsi Pitso, said: “We have signed Mkwanazi from Mpharane and I can also confirm that there are teams that have made inquiries about some of
our players, but we are yet to hold formal talks.”
