Lebokollane booted out

MASERU – Lesotho international Lisema Lebokollane is the biggest name in a mass exodus of players that have been expelled by champions Matlama because of poor discipline.

Lebokollane is one of the 10 players that had their contracts terminated by ‘Tse Putsoa’ this week with the champions saying the players’ bad behaviour was having a destructive influence on the squad.

Amongst the 10, three of them – Lebokollane, Khotso Molelengoane and Makume Theletsane — were regulars in Matlama’s starting line-up.

The other players are Relebohile Komane, Thato Rantšo, Khauhelo Motanyane, Limpho Khaoli, Molikeng Makhebesela, Mohau Rammoneng and Shali Lekhotla and none were getting much game-time this season.

Speaking to thepost yesterday, Matlama’s secretary general, Advocate Tieho Phatsisi, said the players’ poor discipline had become too toxic to ignore and it was hurting the team.

Phatsisi did not mention names but Lebokollane is rumoured to have been a bad apple in Matlama’s squad.

It is alleged the Likuena midfielder arrived drunk last weekend for the side’s game against Liphakoe and his poor behaviour was even annoying match officials.

thepost has learnt that Lebokollane insulted an assistant referee during their game against Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) last Wednesday.

Lebokollane allegedly used vulgar language in the insults. The incident happened during the game’s half-time break and other match officials had to intervene to stop the referee who was ready to fight the player.

Asked if the club was aware of the incident against LMPS, Phatsisi refused to comment.

“By bad behaviour we mean the way the players were approaching things which includes the technical team, their teammates, the management and even things they were doing in their lives outside football,” he said.

Matlama’s statement on the release of the 10 players said the club’s management investigated the root cause of Matlama’s poor recent form and realised ill-discipline was one of the biggest factors.

‘Tse Putsoa’ have made a disappointing defence of their title and find themselves in sixth place at the halfway mark of the Vodacom Premier League season, 13 points behind leaders Bantu.

“As the leaders of the club, we would not be doing our job if we let the situation deteriorate,” Phatsisi said.

“Our plan is to return the club back to the fans when our term is over and to return a team that is at championship level and not a mid-table team,” he added.

“We understand the decision may not sit well with some of the supporters, but according to us, it is the right decision.”

Tlalane Phahla