Lesotho duo superstars grace Botswana

‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI and

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE

MASERU – Lehlohonolo Fothoane and Swirtbirth Kum from Bantu FC and Lioli FC respectively joined the Botswana premiership side, Township Rollers FC, during the just-closed January transfer window period. Fothoane is the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) and Bantu leading goal-scorer, while Kum is a deadly striker Lioli have ever signed.

Both Kum and Fothoane were instrumental to their teams’ impressive first round performance which saw Lioli and Bantu currently lying on second and third position respectively.  Obviously the two players left a big gap in their respective teams, with both Lioli’s Communications and Marketing Manager (CMM) Tankiso Moletsane and Bantu’s Poosela Pule admitting that the Lesotho giants will miss the services of the two superstars.

Lioli’s CMM, Moletsane also said: “Yes, Kum has left a gap in the team but that doesn’t mean the team will not do well in his absence.” Moletsane said Kum was not part of the Lioli team who won the Premier League title last season. He further revealed that Kum’s contract was about to expire and so signing with Township Rollers came at the right time.

“His absence is a great opportunity for other players to work hard and stand a chance to go to greener pastures too,” Moletsane said.

“I wish Kum well in his life endeavours.” Bantu Football Association PRO Pule Poosela who spoke about the departure of their top goal scorer middle-fielder Fothoane said for them as a team it was very heartbreaking to bid their goodbyes with Fothoane but they could not let the opportunity slip him just like that.  

He said they want only the best for their players and team at large. “Fothoane was our best player, and releasing him to Township Rollers was a bit emotional,” said Pule. Pule further said because Fothoane was a quality player, Bantu management had to reach certain agreement with Township Rollers, which he declined to revealed rather than saying they had to compromise for the benefit of the player.

Bantu’s acting CMM, however, assured the team supporters that even though it would not be easy to replace Fothoane, there are suitable players to fill his position and take over and continue from where he left. Therefore, Pule pleaded with them not to put too much pressure on them. He concluded by wishing Fothoane all the best on his new journey, saying he did not only make Bantu proud but his country as well.