Leemisa Thuseho
LIPHAKOE president Ramajake Thulo has appealed for calm among the club’s fans after failing to retain the services of some their key players.
So far, the side has lost four players and is also on verge of releasing more personnel.
First was wing back Thabo Matšoele, who joined former premier league champions Matlama last month.
This month, the club also lost its captain Tlotliso Tumahole who joined Lijabatho. Midfielder Tšeole Ranthimo has also signed for Linare.
After a six months spell with, Liphakoe defender Patrick Nyarko also left the maroon and gold outfit for Lioli.
All the players’ contracts had lapsed.
Thulo told the Lesotho Times on Monday that they were not sitting on their laurels.
In fact, Liphakoe are out in full force negotiating new contracts with Tankiso Chaba and Basia Letuka whose contracts have also ended.
While admitting that the departures were huge losses, he said it was still early days and the fans must not panic. He said the remaining players were good enough to sustain the club in the upcoming 2020/21 season.
“It is an unfortunate situation but I can assure you that the management did all they could to retain the players but failed,” Thulo said.
“I understand the supporters’ fears but I think is too early to panic because we still have time to respond to the challenge… For now, we don’t know when the 2020/21 season will start. Once it is clear when football will be back, I hope the football authorities will give teams adequate time to prepare.”
He the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has made it difficult for the team to make promises to players when it is still to be determined when the new season will start.
“Our survival depends on the sponsors and it is difficult for them to commit themselves at this stage amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Thulo said the committee would soon venture into the market in search for reinforcements but also said they would give a chance to younger players.
“We still have players who can help us fight to remain in the premier league next season while we rebuild. As much as we need them, the future of the team can’t rely on certain individuals… in the just ended season, they were there but we ended up fighting for survival.
“Maybe the Covid-19 pandemic is actually a blessing because we don’t know what could have happened to us had the season ended in the normal way,” Thulo said.
