Lioli snap up Thapelo Tale from Likhopo

Lioli's new front-man... Thapelo Tale

Champions Lioli have finally made a splash in the transfer market by completing the signing of Lesotho international striker Thapelo Tale from Likhopo. The 28 year-old has moved to the Teyateyaneng giants on a three-year contract and fills a need Lioli have been trying to fill since the end of last season.

With the CAF Champions League on their schedule next year, Tse Nala have been looking to strengthen their attack.

Despite winning the league last season, Lioli’s top scorer – striker Nkoto Masoabi – only scored eight goals.

Lioli chased Sundawana’s Roboama Koloti as a solution and made an offer for the Under-20 star. However, the champions were rebuffed by Sundawana’s M2 million asking price.

Lioli have also completed the signing of midfielder Setho Moshoeshoe who is returning to his childhood club after spending ten years in the United States.

The two signings bolster an already star-studded Lioli squad looking to win its third successive championship in the 2016/17 Vodacom Premier League season.

In other transfer news, Likhopo have completed the signing of Lereko Matsipa from Liphakoe.

Matsipa, who began his career at Likhopo, has re-joined the club on a free transfer.

The former Likuena international joined Liphakoe in 2014 and immediately helped the Quthing side gain promotion to the Vodacom Premier League and last season was an important contributor as Liphakoe maintained their premiership status.

The versatile Matsipa, who can play in defence or defensive midfield, won two Premier League titles with Likhopo in 2005 and 2006. Matsipa also enjoyed a successful spell with Lioli winning the title in 2009. His experience will be a valuable asset to a talented but youthful Likhopo squad.

To the Olympics and things have not gone well for Team Lesotho so far. Both of Lesotho’s boxers, Inkululeko Suntele and Moroke Mokhotho, were beaten in the first round of the boxing tournament.

Boxer Moroke Mokhotho

Suntele lost to Tunisia’s Bilel Mhamdi in the 52 kilograms flyweight class on Friday while Mokhotho was defeated by Achraf Kharroubi of Morocco on Sunday in the 56kg competition.

In athletics, Lesotho’s main hope Mosito Lehata also suffered disappointment when he missed out in the 100 metres heats.

Lehata will get a chance to bounce back in the 200 metres which start on Tuesday. The second and final week of the Olympics will also see Tšepang Sello, Namakoe Nkhasi, Lebenya Nkoka, Tšepo Mathibelle and Phetetso Monese get their taste of the action. The Rio 2016 Games end on Sunday.