Makha’s unfinished business in SA

MASERU-Likuena midfielder Tumelo Makha says he still has unfinished business in South Africa after parting ways with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) to pen a short-term contract with Lioli in the Vodacom Premier League.

Makha joined the Limpopo outfit in September 2021 and made an immediate impact helping the club reach the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
He scored the winner in a five-goal thriller as TTM eliminated DSTV Premiership side, Supersport United, in the quarterfinal with a 3-2 victory, but their impressive run in the competition was ended in the semi-final by Marumo Gallants.

However, since the start of the 2022/2023 season, Marumo Gallants have been hogging the headlines for the wrong reasons with several South African publications reporting that the club has not paid its players since November last year.

The reports also indicate that the club has not been training since November and were recently hammered 7-1 in the Nedbank Cup by fellow Motsepe Foundation Championship club, All Stars.
Makha admitted that he is among a group of players that left the club over outstanding salaries while others also had no place to stay as reported by South African publications.

“Yes, I left the club because myself and other players were owed salaries that goes as far as last year and I felt it would be better to get a short-term contract here at home to stay in good shape,” Makha said.
“I learnt a lot during my time with the club and will always be grateful to TTM for giving me the opportunity to play in South Africa.”

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has also been impressive for the national team since winning his first cap in 2021, stated that he already has offers from other South African teams.
“My agent had offers from other teams, but they asked to clear their foreign quota for next season to make room for my arrival and I’m confident of returning to South Africa in the new season,” Makha said.

“It’s very important for me to remain focused because I know what football can do to change my life for the better.
“I have already experienced that during my time with TTM and I know about the financial benefits that are there for the players in professional leagues, where you are able to take care of yourself as well as your loved ones,” he said.

Makha is adamant that re-joining Lioli can benefit both him and the club as Tse Nala have been going through a rough patch in the Vodacom Premier League.
The Teya-teyaneng based outfit are lying ninth in the Vodacom Premier League table with 28 points after 18 games and Makha wants to see the club finish the campaign at least among the top four teams.

“Re-joining Lioli will help me get my groove back because I have not played competitive football for some time due to the situation at my former club and I believe I can play a part to help Lioli finish the season at least among the top four teams,” he said.

Mikia Kalati