Mikia Kalati
STRUGGLING premier league side Likhopo have parted ways with head coach Hlojeng following a string of poor results that saw the former champions win just once in eight games this season.
Hlojeng took over the Likhopo reins at the beginning of the season after the club went through a string of coaches in recent years due to failure to win matches with any regularity.
Last season, Likhopo was mentored by Motheo Mohapi, Wright Mofoka, Shalane Lehohla and Tšeliso Mofolo.
Likhopo team manager Qamako Mahao told the Lesotho Times this week Hlojeng resigned citing his failure to turn the club’s fortunes around.
“Indeed, Ntate Hlojeng handed in his resignation after the loss to Sundawana over the weekend. Ntate Hlojeng said he had done everything in his power to help the team, but the positive results were not forthcoming,” Mahao said.
“Usually clubs are known to sack coaches in the event of poor results. But in this case, it’s Ntate Hlojeng who decided to step down as the coach.
“He decided to allow another coach to take over and see if our fortunes will not change.”
Mahao said Mofolo, who was previously Likhopo interim coach, will once again step into the role as the club searches for a substantive coach.
“Ntate Mofolo has been brought in as the caretaker coach as we search for the new man to lead the team,” said Mahao.
“The biggest challenge is that we have not been performing badly in the field of play, yet the positive results have not been forthcoming.”
The team manager was, however, upbeat they had what it took to change their fortunes for the better.
“We managed to identify the missing link in out performances and expect better results going forward,” he said.
“We have a good mixture of experienced, international players and young blood that can help us turn the tables.
“Don’t be surprised if things take a different turn under a new coach because football can be so unpredictable at times.”
Hlojeng, who also donned the red and white of Likhopo towards the end of his playing career, confirmed his departure in an interview with this paper.
“Indeed, I have left the club because the positive results were not forthcoming and for no other reason,” he said.
Likhopo is currently second from bottom in the 14-team log after eight games having won just once, drawn one and lost six times.
The Red Army won back to back premier league championships during the 2004/5 and 2005/06 seasons.
They finished the previous campaign in fifth position thereby qualifying to play in the LNIG Top 8 set for early next year.