Makha to miss tie against Bantu

MASERU – New Lioli signing Tumelo Makha is set to miss this weekend’s mega Vodacom Premier League clash against Bantu due to a lack of paperwork.

Lioli announced the midfielder’s return to the club from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) yesterday on a contract that will expire at the end of the season.

However, because the 23-year-old livewire is being signed from a South African team, he needs certain paperwork to be fully registered and start playing.

The club refused to confirm whether the player has paperwork except to say that they are working on it.

Lioli spokesperson Kananelo Ramokoatsi said Makha’s short-term contract is likely because he would like to explore opportunities that may arise for him at the end of the season.

“I think he wants to see what lies ahead for him at the end of the season. At the moment, we are working on paperwork and it is unconfirmed if he will be available,” he said.

Given the lengthy process and documents required to secure an international clearance, it is impossible that Makha would have been registered on time for the weekend’s game against Bantu.

The midfielder had been playing for TTM in South Africa’s National First Division since leaving Lioli in August 2021 until he fell out with the club over the non-payment of salaries and returned home.

When he does make his debut, Lioli will be praying Makha can revitalise their season. ‘Tse Nala’ have been hugely disappointing this term. They are languishing in ninth place in the Vodacom Premiership with 21 points from 16 games.

Yesterday, Lioli also announced the signing of Teboho Masuoane from Linare, while Mokhele Molise joins from CCX and Sello Sekike joins from Manonyane. Like Makha, the trio has also signed contracts that will expire at the end of the season.

Tlalane Phahla