…as management demands improved performance
Leemisa Thuseho
VODACOM Premier League (VPL) defending champions Lioli’s coach, Bongani Maseko, is already feeling the heat early in the season as the club’s management is growing increasingly impatient with the team’s inconsistent performances.
After six matches, Lioli have managed only three wins, two losses, and one draw — placing them fifth on the log with 10 points. Their recent form has been particularly worrying, prompting criticism from fans and observers alike.
The Teyateyaneng-based outfit suffered a 1-0 defeat to league newcomers Maroala last Wednesday, before being held to a goalless draw by LMPS on Sunday. Earlier, on 19 October, they also endured a painful 2-3 loss to their fierce rivals, Matlama.
Maseko now faces a crucial test this Sunday against an in-form LCS side at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena. LCS head into the clash buoyed by an emphatic 3-0 win over Matlama last weekend, piling up more pressure on the Lioli coach to turn things around.
In response to the team’s poor showing, Lioli’s management has held a series of meetings with the technical team in an effort to identify the root causes of the problem.
Sources close to the club told the Lesotho Times that management expressed strong dissatisfaction and issued what was described as a verbal ultimatum, urging the coach to produce immediate improvements.
“It’s clear that if results don’t improve soon, Maseko’s position could come under serious threat,” said a source privy to the discussions.
However, the club has denied issuing a formal ultimatum, insisting that the meetings were constructive and aimed at restoring the team’s winning mentality.
Lioli marketing manager, Kananelo Ramokoatsi, confirmed that management had expressed its disappointment to the coach but said the talks were meant to find solutions rather than to threaten his job.
“Actually, the coach did not receive any ultimatum letter,” Ramokoatsi told the Lesotho Times.
“What happened is that during our meetings we made it clear that we are not happy with the current situation. It was about discussing how we can work together to improve and return to winning ways.
“We believe we have a strong squad, and we want results that will make everyone happy, including the coach.”
Despite the recent slump, Maseko has guided Lioli to three trophies since taking charge during the off-season. He led the team to victory in the TJ Nthane Soccer Tournament in June, the Alliance Challenge in August, and the Maluti Mountain Cement Charity Cup (MMCC) last month.
