Chris Theko
Premier league giants, Lioli are said to be at the forefront to secure the services of former Bantu head Coach Bob Mafoso.
According to sources close to the management of the Teyateyaneng-based club, Mafoso is earmarked for the head coach job in the next season but will immediately assume the role of Technical Director (TD) until the end of the current football season.
“The team is on the buildup as we know that Covid-19 caused a lot of disruptions so reinforcing the technical team, the management has gone for Mafoso,†revealed the source.
The source further revealed that the aim of the club’s management is to have Mafoso lead the team as head coach in the coming season.
The former Lesotho Under-20 mentor, left his role at Bantu after his contract ended with the Mafeteng-based outfit towards the end of 2021, and Bantu’s rivals look to have made their move timeously.
Mafoso has also previously worked with the defunct and controversial Sandawana before being Madidilane’s assistant.
Approached for comment on the matter, Mafoso refused to be drawn into confirming the move.
“I cannot confirm or deny the reports, however, I have been in conversation with a few clubs including Lioli and that is all I can say for now.
“Everything else regarding my next move will be revealed when the time is right, through the right channels,†Mafoso said.
Before taking over as the man in charge, Mafoso was assistant to then head Coach James Madididlane. He was then roped-in to head Kick4Life at the start of the 2018 season.
That stint only lasted a season as he went back to the former champions after the departure of Madidilane who had left the club to coach in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Lioli President Lebohang Thotanyana told this publication that they have been talking to a number of coaches but nothing concrete yet while refusing to say it Mafoso is their next coach.
“Lioli management has been in talks with a number of coaches about a lot of things but there is nothing at this point to reveal as we still have a coach. However, should anything change an official statement will be issued,†said Thotanyana.
Currently Lioli is under the guidance of Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu who was appointed in March 2021 on a two-year contract.