Marabe leaves Bantu

MASERU – It is the end of an era at Bantu after the Mafeteng giants released long-serving stalwart Mokone Marabe yesterday. Bantu announced Marabe’s departure from the club along with that of goalkeeper Thabo Selisa.

The duo are the first official player departures from ‘A Matšo Matebele’ this off-season with more players expected to leave as Bantu look to rebuild their squad and compete for honours next season.

Bantu finished fourth in the Vodacom Premier League last season as they disappointingly relinquished the title which they won in 2020 to Matlama. Bantu finished 14 points behind the champions and their performance has sparked sweeping changes.

Two weeks ago, Bantu elected a new executive committee with the promise of revamping the playing squad. Marabe and Selisa are the first to go.

Marabe joined Bantu in 2011 from Likhopo and helped the club win four league titles during his glittering time in Mafeteng. During that time the striker also shared the dressing room with his brother Litšepe Marabe who left the club in January for India.

Despite being a crucial part of Bantu’s title victories in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2020, Marabe’s days at the club appeared to be numbered as the majority of his game-time last season came from the bench.

Marabe and Selisa were not the only ones shown the door yesterday. Bantu also let go of the entire technical team that was hired in February to replace Thabo Tsutsulupa.

That crew includes Teboho Tšiu, Jomo Monaphathi, Liteboho Mokhesi as well as Thapelo Mokhehle, the former Bantu captain who had joined the coaching staff after bringing an end to his playing career.

Bantu are in the market for a new coach and the club’s spokesperson, Pule Mosoatsi, said the club has already begun the search.

“We are looking for a coach but it is still early and there is no name that has come forward,” he said.

Bantu’s new committee that was elected two weeks ago is again led by club president John Leuta who retained his position uncontested. Mosoatsi said strengthening Bantu’s squad is a priority.

“With regards to new players, we will announce them as soon as we are ready,” he said.

Tlalane Phahla