Fan assaults Matlama coach in Lesotho

Matlama’s head coach Mothobi Molebatsi has been assaulted by one of the club’s supporters today after a 1-0 defeat to Lijabatho in Morija. 

Matlama conceded in the game’s last minutes to record their second defeat in a row. The loss means Matlama, early on, no longer has control over their destiny in the race for league honours.

The club’s social media manager Themba Talane confirmed the assault and said the club would act against the said individual. The man is to have attacked Molebatsi while sitting down, slapping him on the face. 

He was quickly restrained, and Molebatsi was taken for safety by the police. The attacker has been identified as a registered supporter from the Thetsane branch. The club is expected to release a statement after a special meeting the executive held at the time of writing.

“It happened right after the final whistle. We conceded the goal in the dying seconds, the game ended literally after kicking the ball,” he said.

“You know, when you concede in that matter, it’s just shocking. I think it hit the coach, and he went to sit down, then the game ended. And before he knew it, a Matlama supporter came from behind and clapped him,” he continued.

Talane said the club would act against the man, and he could be banned from the games. Lesotho’s Premier League Management Committee (PLMC), led by Matlama’s vice president Monaheng Hubbard is yet to comment.

Molebatsi was coach of the season last term after winning the league with the club.

He was handed a new two-year deal to continue guiding the team. At the time, he admitted there would be pressure with expectations high.

He said he was convinced they were on the right track to retain the title and win other trophies for the 2022/23 season.