Africa-Press – Lesotho. A Division rookies ACE Maseru FC may have fallen short of securing a promotion to the country’s top flight in their maiden season, but the Tsͮenola-based side are already aiming high for the
upcoming season, according to the club’s mentor – Motlalepula ‘Maradona’ Majoro, who is also serving as the club’s General Manager.
While occupying the third spot in the league standings after 16 matches may appear the jewel in the crown for the newcomers, ACE Maseru are no strangers to pulling off remarkable exploits – In their second season in the B Division and also a club founded by African Clean Energy (ACE) company, they earned promotion to the A Division (Lesotho PostBank League). That Majoro has on two occasions guided minnows, Maradona Juniors and Kick4Life FC, to the elite league may be the icing on the cake.
Majoro, who has also mentored Nyenye Rovers FC in the top flight, says it has almost been a mission accomplished so far for ACE Maseru since the set target is within a touching distance, but he’s already plotting fierce contest for next season’s promotion to the elite league. He insists his troops are ready to pit their wits against the best since it is not going to be a walk in the park.
Our target for this season was to finish among the top four, as we want to take part in the Nedbank Cup (A Division Top 8), and it looked like we would achieve that,” says the former Matlama FC player. As for the next season, we will fight to be amongst the title contestants. I know it’s not going to be an easy road to that, but we will fight.
The Coronavirus pandemic has halted ACE Maseru’s form since they were enjoying a slight purple patch in the league when football and all sporting activities were suspended to combat the spread of the virus, according to Majoro. He says: “When this virus pandemic forced the league to stop, we were having a very good run, winning 4 games in a row to move to 3rd position.
” Over a week ago, when ACE Maseru were distributing food parcels to the residents of Tšenola in the wake of the Coronavirus-induced economic downturn, Majoro articulated the significance of the fans’ support to the growth of his club. “We have massive support here every time when we play, and most Econet Premier League (EPL) clubs don’t boast a match-day fan-base like we do,” said the former Likuena player, who retired in 1998 before leaving to the United States of America (USA) to coach youth clubs in 2002. “They’re playing a pivotal role in the success of the club because they stand with us through thick and thin while it’s important to note that this club is still new. ”
Despite most industries having been relieved by the recent relaxation of the lockdown, Majoro finds it difficult for sports to cope in this situation of social distancing rules; this is in spite of individual training he has issued to his club when the restriction of movement was looming.
“. The easing of the lockdown hasn’t helped in anyway,” says the former Arsenal and Lioli player.
“Yes, in other sectors one could see something different, but in sport there’s nothing.
We will have to wait until the authorities say otherwise. “My players were given individual programs, only for the first few weeks of the lockdown,” he adds.
After six weeks of inactivity, that meant something else – it has been
like we’ve been in the off season. I stopped issuing and monitoring individual programs, and we’re now in the eighth week. This ‘corona thing’ has affected
everyone, in one way or another. ” Majoro appeals to all sports lovers to pray and hope for the Coronavirus storm to pass so that they could be able to enjoy their favourite
sports once again. He concludes by urging all to adhere to precautionary measures to fight the virus. “To sports fans; I know this is an unfamiliar situation ever, we all want to enjoy watching our teams, athletes, and all that
stuff, something all of us are missing now,” he points out. “This is between life and death. Let’s all pray and hope this will pass and we’ll be back again in action and get that fun part of life and be happier again. Stay home and be safe. [p1]quote
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