Sera on trial in SA

MASERU – Matlama striker Motebang Sera could soon be showcasing his talents at South African side Free State Stars.
Sera and two of his teammates Phafa Tšosane and Makume Theletsane left Lesotho on Monday to undergo trials at Stars who will campaign in the National First Division (NFD) next season after being relegated from the top-flight Premier Soccer League (PSL) last month.

Sera and Tšosane’s moves across the border are made more likely by the fact their contracts at Matlama are due to expire next month meaning the Lesotho internationals can be snapped up by potential suitors for free.
The 2018/19 Econet Premier League top scorer with 18 goals, Sera caught the eye of numerous scouts with his performances for Lesotho at the 2019 COSAFA Cup in Durban two weeks ago.
Motebang was excellent upfront for Lesotho scoring against Botswana and Zimbabwe as Likuena finished fourth at the continental showpiece.

His displays capped a fabulous season in which Sera helped Matlama to a first league title in nine years and local rivals Bantu are said to be hungry for Sera’s signature as well.
Speaking before his departure to the Free State, the Matlama hit-man refused to rule out a move to another local side if he cannot secure a deal in South Africa
He said he already has several offers to mull over as he plots the next move in his burgeoning career.
“There are teams that want me but it’s not something I can talk about now, when everything is okay I will (talk). I am still comparing the offers,” the 24-year-old said.

Last Friday, Sera walked away M19 000 richer after claiming the player of the season and top goal-scorer accolades at the Econet Premier League’s end of season awards in Maseru.
Sera, who also won the league’s golden boot award in 2016, has been linked with a move away from Matlama before but it hasn’t materialised.
Last December, he had unsuccessful trials at Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. However, this could be the year Sera leaves ‘Tse Putsoa’, especially because of his expiring contract. Sera is looking to become the fifth Likuena player playing in South Africa’s professional leagues.

Three – Tumelo Khutlang, Tšoarelo Bereng and Luciano Matsoso – play for Black Leopards in the PSL while Nkoto Masoabi plays for Real Kings in the NFD.
Sera is also hoping to follow in Khutlang and Masoabi’s footsteps who moved to South Africa last off-season after starring at the 2018 COSAFA Cup.
Matlama refused to comment on Sera’s contract situation and it is not clear how long his trial at Free State Stars will last.

However, ‘Tse Putsoa’ management said they hope Sera can clinch himself a contract with the Bethlehem-based team.
Before leaving Sera also expressed delight at the awards he won at last Friday’s Econet Premier League gala, a validation for his superb season.
“I am very happy, I was not expecting to win (the player of the season award),” Sera said.
“It shows that I wasn’t playing for nothing. Everything is now coming out, it is an encouragement to keep working hard because there will be something at the end.”

Sera, who missed his 20-goal target by just two strikes, added that he will try to crack the mark again next season, if he is still in the Econet Premier League.
“I wish I could have scored more than 18 (goals),” Sera said.
“I was short by two goals from my target but, overall, I think my performance was good. I was just unfortunate to not score the two goals but it doesn’t mean I can’t do it next season.”

Econet Premier League 2018/19 Awards:
Goalkeeper of the Season:
Thabiso Lichaba (Bantu)

Young Player of the Season:
Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama)

Coach of the Season:
Thabile Secker (Matlama)

Players’ Player of the Season:
Phafa Tšosane (Matlama)

Player of the Year:
Motebang Sera (Matlama)

Top Goalscorer:
Motebang Sera (18 goals)

Assistant Referee of the Season:
Tlelima Khoahli

Referee of the Season:
Osias Koto

Tlalane Phahla