Khutlang’s future with Lioli in limbo

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Tumelo Khutlang’s absence is leaving Lioli head coach Motheo ‘Six to Six’ Mohapi in the dark about the utility player’s future with the team. Mohapi revealed Khutlang’s absence after Lioli secured victory in the inaugural Maseru Community Cup at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena last Sunday.

Khutlang had been granted time off for personal matters, but his return has been delayed, leaving uncertainty about his continued presence with the team. “Khutlang is currently away from the team on personal leave,” Mohapi confirmed. “His scheduled time off has now expired, and we are uncertain about his future with us.”

Mohapi further stated: “It is unclear whether he will remain with the team, as his time off has now ended. It is possible that he might not be part of the squad moving forward.” The Lioli coach assured that updates on Khutlang’s status would be shared with the media soon.

Khutlang, 28, played a pivotal role in Lioli’s league title win last season, finishing as the team’s top goalscorer with 15 goals—just one shy of Vodacom Premier League Top Goalscorer Lemohang Litaba of Limkokwing University (LU) Football Club.

Khutlang rejoined Lioli last August from South African Premiership side Swallows, having first left Lioli to join Black Leopards in 2021 after a long tenure with the Lesotho champions dating back to 2015.

Meanwhile, Lioli have strengthened their squad for the new season with notable signings, including Cameroonian forward Swirtberth Kum, who returns from a season-long absence.

Other new arrivals are Leluma Phosholi from Bantu Football Club and Sechaba Mohapi from Kick4Life Juventude. All three were integral to Lioli’s Maseru Community Cup victory last weekend. Kum scored twice in the 2-1 semi-final win over Bantu and provided an assist in the 1-0 final victory against Matlama.

Mohapi expressed satisfaction with the new signings, stating they are not planning to add more players for now. “We are happy with our signings. We have brought in young talent and need to give them a chance,” he said. He added: “While we have left room for potential upgrades, we are done with new signings for the moment.”

Conversely, Lioli have seen departures, including Tieho Ntulo, who was spotted playing for Linare during the Maseru Community Cup last Sunday.

Lioli continue to ramp up preparations for the 2024/25 season, with friendly matches against the Betway Premiership sides Royal AM and the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Maritzburg United, both away this Saturday and Sunday respectively.