By Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Newly appointed Melele coach, Retšelisitsoe Lephaila, says his biggest task will be helping the new premier side avoid relegation at the end of the season.
Lephaila who has worked with clubs such as Likhopo, Lioli and First Division side, Maseru Naughty Boys, is adamant that he is the right man to help the league rookies find their feet in the elite league.
“The most important thing for us as a new team in the big league will be to retain our top-flight football status,” Lephaila said.
“It is also important to assess the team to try and see where it needs to be reinforced ahead of the tough season in the premier league.”
Lephaila said he is happy with the response he is getting from his players.
“They have welcomed me with both hands and that has made my job very easy as I’m already establishing a good working relationship with the squad,” he said.
“We have played a few friendly matches already and there will be more to come as well as the new players that will help strengthen the team.”
He told this paper that the experience he gained during his spell with the likes of Likhopo and Lioli has helped him grow as a coach and will help him as he tries to make the Qacha’s Nek side a force to reckon with in the new season.
“I had a very important role coaching the national Under-17 team during the Copa Coca-Cola tournament in South Africa a few years ago and I feel it has also helped me be a better coach,” Lephaila said.
He said during that spell he was coaching players from all over the continent and it helped him be able to deal with different characters as a coach.
Melele and Mphatlatsane are the new teams in the premier league after winning automatic promotion from the A Division last season.
The Qacha’s Nek side face Nyenye Rovers who avoided relegation in the playoffs in the opening weekend of the new 2013/14 season.
