Africa-Press – Lesotho. The football fraternity in the Mountain Kingdom is mourning the deaths of two legends of the beautiful game in Lepolesa ‘Masterpieces’ ’Mefane and Mahao ‘Bomber’ Matete.
The two iconic figures, who played for Matlama as well as the Lesotho national team, had continued to serve the game beyond their playing days with Matete working as a coach at club level and for the national team while Mefane served Matlama in an advisory role until his death.
Matete served the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) as a coach for many years. He worked with the junior and senior national teams and will be remembered for his work as the assistant coach when Likuena reached the final of COSAFA Cup in 2000 when he worked alongside the late Monaheng ‘Doc’ Monyane who was the head coach.
In a statement published on Tuesday, Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) president Advocate Salemane joined the football fraternity in paying his respects to the two fallen legends of the game.
“On behalf of the (LEFA) National Executive Committee, the entire football family and on my own behalf, I wish to express our deep sorrow on the sudden demise of the two football icons.
It came as a real shock to the Association when we heard the news of the passing of Mr ’Mefane and Mr Matete. We are deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary sons of the land,” Phafane said.
“We pray from the bottom of our hearts that the Almighty Father grants their souls peace and rest.
And that he also grants all Ntate Mefane and Matete’s loved ones and the Lesotho Football Veterans Association (LFVA), the strength and heavenly comfort during these trying times.
“May the souls of Ntate Mefane and Ntate Matete rest in perfect peace and kindly accept our deepest heartfelt condolences,” the LEFA president added.
The regional football body, COSAFA also issued a statement on its social media platforms to convey its condolences to the football fraternity in the Kingdom on the loss of the two legends.
“Matete coached Lesotho for a number of years, including at the inaugural COSAFA Cup in 1997, where they lost 2-0 to Zambia in Maseru.
He was still in charge the following year when they lost by the same score-line to Zimbabwe and in 2000 when they went down to Warriors as well,” the statement from COSAFA said.
“He was a stalwart defender for the national side in his playing days and a much-revered figure in Lesotho football. His brother Seephephe ‘Mochini’ Matete was also a national team coach in the COSAFA Cup and passed away late last year.
“Mahao also had successful stints in charge of the Lesotho junior national teams and coached his beloved Matlama too.
’Mefane was a star for Matlama and served the club in an advisory role following his playing days. He was 67 when he passed away.
“The COSAFA family would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of these two giants of Lesotho Football.
LEFA Technical Director, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, said the late ‘Masterpieces’ ’Mefane was a gentleman on and off the field during his playing days and after hanging his boots.
“I will remember him for the gentleman that he was during his time as a player and in retirement.
We cannot forget his talents in the field of play and how he used to mesmerise his opponents playing for his beloved Matlama,” the LEFA technical director said.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
