Swallows livid over ‘stolen’ coach

MASERU-Econet Premier League outfit Swallows are crying foul over what they are calling dishonesty and abuse of power after former league champions Matlama unveiled Mothobi Molebatsi as their new assistant coach to Charles Manda this week.

On Tuesday, Matlama announced that the former Sefotha-fotha head coach had penned a two-year deal with them.
However, on Monday, Swallows had announced Molebatsi as a head coach and they say they have been blindsided by Matlama’s poaching.

Swallows insist Molebatsi had signed a contract with them and, although they cannot produce it, they say Matlama should have let them know they were after Molebatsi’s services but they are now finding out on social media that they no longer have a coach.

Swallows spokesperson Lekoala Ralekoala said he was shocked to see Matlama’s announcement. He said Swallows management were not aware of Matlama’s announcement and it would have been less embarrassing if they had been told by ‘Tse Putsoa’ or Molebatsi.

“I am surprised as well, when you find something it is better you speak, it would have been better if he said something or Matlama approached us, the management isn’t even aware,” he said.
Ralekoala could not say what measures the club will take. However, one of the club’s executive members believes it’s the price they are paying for not having finances to keep a coach or players.

The executive member said if Molebatsi was promised something better by Matlama there is nothing Swallows can do. Swallows are now without a coach and are set to go on a hunt for a coach once again.
Matlama say they know nothing about Swallows’ contract and they insisted they did not steal the coach.

Matlama say they have been in talks with Molebatsi for a long time and he agreed to join the club for some time and what was left was for him to sign a contract which he has done.

Head coach Manda picked Mothobi himself and they say if Swallows feel they were hard done Molebatsi would be the in the best of positions to explain the situation.
Matlama said as far as they are concerned Molebatsi was unattached.

Tlalane Phahla