By Moorosi Tsiane
MASERU — It’s less than a year since Hopolang Mohlalefi left Qoaling Highlanders to join Bantu.
The talented winger is surprised at how quickly he has settled at his new club and in the process helping them win the Independence Cup Top4 tournament earlier last month.
The Qoaling-born, speedy winger still cannot believe that he produced a man-of-the-match performance to help his team snatch big wins over rivals LFD and Lioli in the past two weeks.
“Joining a team like Bantu with a big history is a dream come true for any player of my age, but I never thought I would make such a quick impact,” Mohlalefi said.
Born and bred in Qoaling, the speedy winger had a rough spell coming through the ranks.
He also played for teams such as PTC Hurricanes, TST Real Super Stars and Arsenal.
His big breakthrough came after he joined Highlanders where he quickly became a fan favourite helping the Wright Mofoka coached side win promotion to the premier league.
“I think I have done well since joining Bantu. My teammates and management made me feel at home, hence it helped me to settle.”
Mohlalefi told this paper that his big moment with his new club was when he scored a penalty to help the Mafeteng based side beat rivals Lioli in a shoot-out to clinch the Independence Cup trophy.
“I left a team that was battling for survival last season, but here I am playing in the biggest cup finals and scoring against a goalkeeper that has been the first choice of our national team,” said Mohlalefi.
The 23-year-old opened his account for Bantu in a 9-0 demolition of Joy before he notched a stunning goal against LDF.
He produced another man-of-the-match performance in last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Lioli with a brilliant goal to announce his presence at the big stage.
Mohlalefi is now dreaming of playing in the South African league where he can use his God-given talent to make a better living.
“I watch South African soccer a lot and they have all the facilities that make every young soccer player to dream of playing in that league,” he said with vibrancy.
The youngster told this paper that he is working hard to achieve his dream of playing for Likuena and also securing a big switch to South Africa.
The on-loan player from Highlanders nicknamed “Tsanana” said he is for now focused on helping Bantu win their first-ever league title.
Bantu coach, Motlatsi Shale, has expressed satisfaction with Tsanana’s performances.
“He is a marvel with the ball on his feet.
“The boy combines skill and speed to take on defenders and that is working wonders for him,” Shale said with a smile.
Shale said Mohlalefi is a player any coach would love to have in his team.
“He has worked hard and has showed the hunger to want to play since joining us.
“He deserves all the credit for the scintillating performances he has displayed in recent games,” he said.
The former Lesotho international said age is still on the side of his lad and still has a lot to learn before he can become a complete player who can produce consistent swashbuckling performances.
