Mikia Kalati
Talented playmaker, Bokang ‘Lefty’ Mothoana, is delighted to be back in action after a long spell without playing competitive football.
Mothoana (27) played his first club football in more than 12 months last Saturday, helping Likhopo to a 2-1 win against Mphatlalatsane at LCS Ground—the team’s first win in five matches.
The gifted utility player had been club-less since leaving Tunisia-based topflight league side Union Sportive Monastirienne in the middle of the 2012/13 season because of the political unrest in the Arab country, while he also spent three months on the side-lines due to injury suffered while on national duty.
“I’m very excited to be back in action because it had been a long time since I last played club football,” Mothoana said.
“Not only was it good to be back playing the game again, the fact that my first match ended in a win was a bonus for me. The team had not been getting the required results, so I am very happy to have helped in this much-needed victory for Likhopo.”
Mothoana further said he was always excited to don the red-and-white colours of Likhopo—the only team he has played for in the country.
“I’m not yet 100 percent fit, but I think that will come with time. I was just happy to be back in action and helping the team do well,” said Mothoana.
The left-footed playmaker, who has also missed important national team matches after suffering severe injury while on national duty, told the Lesotho Times he still hopes to play professionally outside the country again.
“Yes; I would still love to play outside the country, but at the moment, the transfer-window has closed and I’m working on my fitness and trying to get to my best again. After that, I will see what options I would be having but obviously, I would be happy to play outside the country once again.”
Mothoana, who has had two spells with Monastir, said Lesotho football is being hampered due to lack of sponsorship.
“I think there is need for more sponsors to come on board and also for our stadiums to be improved before we can even think of reaching the desired professional stage. Our clubs also need to learn to give players more respect because this game is about them; the players.
“Like I have said before, our country is blessed with talented players and it is only with sound sponsorship that things will improve, and they can reach their full potential.”
Mothoana ,who is at home in most onfield positions, said it was sad companies do not appear keen on supporting local football.
“On the field of play, I think there has been a lot of improvement, but lack of finance is always killing the spirit as players get very little or nothing compared to other countries, which is very sad,” Mothoana said.
Speaking about the national team, Likuena, Mothoana said there were so many positives about the side, which he credits to the current and previous coaches.
“I still maintain that we have a lot of talent in this country and we can do better if sponsors can come on board and help improve our facilities and take care of the players.”
