Moorosi Tsiane
THERE is a glimmer of hope for the Likuena duo of Motebang Sera and Tumelo Khutlang, as both are finally seeing action for their clubs in South Africa’s premier league.
Sera has been struggling for game time since the start of the season after moving from Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM who purchased the former’s premier league franchise.
Sera has spent most of the time watching from the stands, not even making it to the match day squad.
However, things seem to be looking brighter for the former Matlama striker as he has started getting game time his coach, John Maduka.
Sera has made appearances from the bench against Cape Town City, run away log leaders Sundowns, Golden Arrows and most recently, Kaizer Chiefs.
Similarly, Khutlang has finally seen some action at struggling Swallows. The team parted ways with former coach, Brandon Truter, early this month. They hired Dylen Kerr who has previously worked with Khutlang at his former club, Black Leopards.
Unsurprisingly, Khutlang, who never played competitive football under Truter, has now seen action under Kerr.
The duo’s failure to get game time had even led to calls by some Likuena followers for the them to consider loan moves in January 2022. But it looks like things are finally looking up for them and their patience might be paying off.
This will no doubt come as welcome relief for Likuena caretaker coach, Leslie Notši, who expressed concern about Sera and Khutlang’s lack of game time last month.
“They are our best players and honestly it is worrying that they are not getting any minutes,” Notši said.
“The good thing is that I have spoken to them and they remain positive. They are just waiting to be given their chance. It is good that they have remained level headed.
“What is important is that they work hard and prove to their coaches that they need to be part of their respective teams’ week in, week out. They are professionals so they understand that,” Notši said last month.
Notši has been tasked with rebuilding the national team following its poor showing under Thabo Senong who left in August this year.
In a bid to rebuild the team, Notši has called in new players into the team. However, Sera and Khutlang are still in the mix.
Now that they are finally getting game time, Notši’s job will be made easier when he picks his team for the continental qualifiers next year.
