Lioli's Montoeli Sonopo to join Atletico Madrid

Montoeli Sonopo (right)

Lioli’s winger-wonder Montoeli Sonopo is on his way to Atletico Madrid and could soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sonopo, still only 17 years old, will join Atletico’s reserve team first.

Speaking yesterday Lioli president Lebohang Thotanyana said Sonopo’s transfer was a done deal.

“We are busy patching up the finer details of his move but we have his contract already, so it is a done deal,” Thotanyana said. “He could not sign a professional contract because of his age. He will definitely join the Atletico reserve side first,” he added.

The winger is now awaiting his visa so he can fly to Madrid to join his new club.

Sonopo was first spotted after he impressed at a ten-day trial camp in Douala, Cameroon in November last year that was attended by players from all over Africa. Scouts from Europe’s top clubs such as Olympique Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Sevilla, Malaga, Celta Vigo, Sporting de Braga and Atletico Madrid usually frequent the trials which are organised by Noga Sports Management.

Sonopo’s trials were as a result of Lioli’s contacts with Fifa accredited agent Olivier Noah who works for the talent scouting agency based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The young speed merchant has enjoyed a breakthrough 18 months. His performances for relegated Nyenye Rovers in the 2009/10 season earned him a move to his hometown team Lioli in September 2010.

Sonopo was then part of the Makoanyane XI squad which qualified for the Caf African Youth Championships earlier this year and also featured in under-17 team’s unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the Caf Under-17 tournament.

And in April he was one of Lesotho’s bright sparks at the Caf African Youth Championships in South Africa with his pace, close control and dribbling skills.

If all the paperwork is successful Sonopo will become the first player to transfer from Lesotho’s Premiership to move to a top European league.

Sonopo won’t make into Atletico’s first team just yet because he is under the age of 18, but he when does fireworks should be expected.