Matlama fan attacks coach, suspended
NTHAKO MAJORO
MASERU – An irate Matlama FC fan who attacked the league champion’s coach, Molebatsi Mothobi, last weekend is suspended.The fan, whose name is yet to be made public, attacked Mothobi after Matlama lost 1-0 to Lijabatho in a Vodacom Premier League clash last Saturday in Morija.According to Matlama spokesperson, Tankiso Moletsane, the fan has since been suspended.“We have suspended him for five years, four of which are suspended on condition that he does not repeat the same offence within the period of five years,” said Moletsane in an interview with Public Eye on Tuesday.
Moletsane said the fan was suspended on the following day (last Sunday) after he was brought before the club’s executive by members of the Thetsane Supporters Branch.Mothobi has since resigned as Matlama’s coach; and Moletsane revealed that the coach officially parted ways with the club the day after the incident.“He resigned with immediate effect on Sunday, saying his life is no longer safe.”Moletsane further said: “Mothobi is a good coach, testimony to that is the fact that he managed to guide Matlama to the league title in his first season with the team.”
Mothobi won the league title with Matlama last season from the then Premiership side, Sefotha-fotha. Matlama have appointed Halemakale Mahlaha and Mosito Matela as head coach and assistant coach respectively.Mahlaha and Matela are not new at Matlama. They are both former coaches and players of the team.
Lijabatho’s loss was Matlama’ second defeat in a row after another 1-0 loss to the Lesotho Correctional Service FC a week before.Matlama started dropping points three weeks ago when were held to a goalless draw by Lifofane.This after Matlama began the season on a promising note, winning all their four opening fixtures of the season.Matlama’s poor run saw them moving down the log ladder from the first position to fourth on the 16-team Vodacom Premier League log table.
Matlama’s next fixture is against arch-rivals, Bantu, at Setsoto Stadium this Saturday.Bantu are currently lying on pole position with four wins and two draws from seven matches.Bantu go to the Matlama game after beating Galaxy 3-0 last Sunday.
