Mikia Kalati
Matlama coach, Moses Maliehe ( in a shirt) gives instructions to his players during one of the league matches at LCS Ground
Moses Maliehe could be in charge of Matlama for the last time when the nine-time league champions host Mphatlatsane at Pitso Ground on Saturday.
Maliehe was appointed national team interim coach two months ago and had been expected to continue with his duties with Matlama.
However, the Lesotho Times has been reliably informed that Maliehe could bid Matlama farewell this weekend to allow him time to focus on the national team, Likuena.
Tse Putsoa are second on the 14-team Vodacom Premier League table and have a great chance of winning their 10th league title.
According to Matlama secretary general, Thabo Nkhahle, club management and Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) officials had met to discuss the way forward regarding Maliehe.
Maliehe replaced Seephephe Matete in October after Likuena crashed out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers as well as the African Nations Championship campaign at the hands of Comoros and Zimbabwe, respectively.
“All we want is a situation that will suit both sides because losing his services at this critical time can hurt our chances of winning the league title this season,” Nkhahle said.
“The results are there for everyone to see; the impact that he has had since taking over the team at the start of the season has been phenomenal.
“We cannot stand in his way if he decides to leave us, but it would be a big loss to Matlama and will affect the momentum the team has built so far this season.”
Nkhahle further said Matlama management would meet LeFA officials again to discuss the issue.
“His biggest assignments with the national team only start in March next year, so we are hopeful of retaining his services at least until the end of the season,” said Nkhahle.
LeFA secretary general, Mokhosi Mohapi, also confirmed that the two parties had met to discuss Maliehe.
Mohapi, however said he could not give details of the meeting until the two parties have finalised the matter.
For his part, Maliehe admitted holding two such demanding positions at Matlama and Likuena could be too much for him and he would have to make a decision about it.
“It’s a tricky situation, but for now, I will let the two parties talk about it and reach a decision,” Maliehe said.
“As for Matlama, I’m happy with the attitude of the players. Unfortunately, this is our last match of the first round of the season and we will start our training again in the first week of January. We will begin with a mini-camp that will also take us to a sports science centre in Bloemfontein.”
Maliehe also said he was happy to have assessed America-based Jane ‘Sunny’ Tšotleho for the national team. Tšotleho is in the country sorting out his visa before returning to the United States, where he has been based since 2004. The 24-year-old forward made his Likuena debut last year.
“He is a very talented boy playing at a higher level in the US, and I would love to make him part of the national team as we prepare for the Seychelles match set for March next year,” he said.
Likuena play two back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the islanders and still have to face Algeria (away) and Ethiopia (home) in the same competition.
