Back-to-back league title-winning coach, Motheo Mohapi, will have full authority over player signings, squad selection, and appointment of his technical team at his new home, Bantu Football Club.
Mohapi, who has been appointed as head coach of the Mafeteng club on a two-year contract with an option to renew, recently resigned from his successful two-year spell at rivals, Lioli FC, where he won two consecutive Vodacom Premier League (VPL) titles with the Teyateyaneng outfit.
At Bantu, Mohapi takes over from Charles Manda, who departed after just six months in charge. Despite winning the People’s Cup in April, Bantu finished fourth in the league, well below their traditional expectations.
A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Mohapi is a respected figure in Lesotho football. He has represented the national team as both player and coach and led top-tier clubs including LDF FC and Lioli.
His crowning achievement was guiding Lioli to back-to-back league titles, showcasing his strategic leadership and deep football knowledge.
Mohapi’s coaching qualifications include a Degree in Sports Science and a Football Scientific A License from the University of Leipzig in Germany, a Degree in Physical Education from China, and multiple coaching licenses from CAF and UEFA-accredited institutions. He is also a certified CAF coach educator.
Bantu president John Leuta introduced Mohapi at a press event, confirming that he would have a free hand in squad management as many player contracts are set to expire.
“We have given him a blank cheque which he has the final say on who joins or leaves the team. We will not impose people on his technical team either. He will decide who works with him,” Leuta said.
The move underscores Bantu’s ambition to return to dominance and sends a strong message to rivals, including Mohapi’s former club, Lioli. It also reflects the growing competition among clubs for top local coaching talent.
Leuta acknowledged that poor performances in recent seasons had reduced fan engagement and affected sponsor relationships. He appealed to supporters to be patient with the new coaching project.
“Let us give the coach time to compete. We made this decision early because time is not on our side,” he said. “Even those under contract could be released if they are not part of his plans. That is the kind of authority we’ve entrusted him with.”
Bantu vice-president for technical affairs, Leoesha Mahase, noted the instability that has plagued the club’s coaching department. Last season, coach James Madidilane left mid-season for Lijabatho, leading to Manda’s short-term appointment.
“We did not do well as a team. Every season the mandate is clear: win every cup and compete for the league title,” Mahase said. “We failed to meet that mandate. Now, we want to build a stable, long-term project.”
He praised Mohapi’s success at Lioli, especially his ability to integrate young players with experienced ones, a quality Bantu sees as key to its future.
“For years, we didn’t have a development structure and it hurt us,” Mahase said. “We do not want a coach who gives us results for three seasons and leaves the club in disarray. We want continuity.”
Mohapi has already named former Lesotho international Bokang Mothoana as his assistant and is in talks with current technical staff members to determine who will remain.
Meanwhile, Lioli has appointed South African coach Bongani Maseko, who holds a CAF A License and has coached across various league levels. He began work on June 11 and will debut at the TJ Nthane Foundation tournament this Sunday at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.
Other clubs have also made changes. Matlama, last season’s runners-up, parted ways with coach Halemakale Mahlaha at the end of May.
Linare released Molebatsi Mothobi and named Molise Ntlatlapa and Ghanaian Michael Armoh as interim coaches.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
