Moorosi Tsiane
FORMER Linare captain Mabuti Potloane is returning to his boyhood club after four years at Matlama.
The 34-year-old midfielder on Monday signed a two-year contract with Linare with an option to renew afterwards.
The talented former Likuena midfielder was a driving force in the Linare team that was coached by Freeze Ntene and ended third in the 2013/14 premier league season before leaving the Hlotse outfit a season later.
He was even named the player of the season that year.
Potloane, who also captained Matlama in the just ended 2019/20 season, said it was time for him to return home where he wants hopes to end his career.
“This is where I want to end my playing career,” Potloane said.
“Linare is my boyhood club and I decided to come back home closer to my family, who have been supportive in my career. I want them to also enjoy the last days of my career.”
Potloane said among other things, he wishes for in his second stint with Linare is to help the team win silverware.
Tse Tala have gone for over three decades without winning any silverware and Potloane hopes to change that.
During his spell with Matlama, Potloane won the LNIG Top8 in 2018 before winning MGC Extravaganza a year later and a league title last season.
“It has been a long time since Linare last won a trophy. My hope is that during my time, I help the club win at least one of the domestic trophies before my retirement.
“I believe Linare have the necessary quality of players who can compete for honours against the league’s top sides. One interesting thing about the club is how they have done things lately and I believe they are on the right path.
“They are also signing good players which I believe will help add value to the club. There is a lot of commitment from everyone involved and that is interesting,” Potloane said.
Meanwhile, Linare has also signed former Lioli, Rovers and Liphakoe midfielder Tšeole Ranthimo along with Lifofane skipper John Mofokeng.
“There was a time when Linare was one of the top league sides, so I believe they are capable of turning things around. Next season they will be a more experienced side than last season,” Potloane concluded.
