Lioli Football Club have put speculation to rest by officially presenting Halemakale Mahlaha as their new head coach, completing a move that had been widely anticipated during the week. At the same time, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) FC confirmed that the seasoned tactician has vacated his position, clearing the way for his switch to Tse Nala.
Mahlaha steps into the role following the departure of Bongani Maseko, whose tenure with Lioli came to an end in December 2025. During the interim period, Kenny Mohoanyane oversaw the team and will now remain part of the technical bench as Mahlaha’s assistant.
The appointment brings to Lioli one of Lesotho’s most experienced football minds. Mahlaha has built a strong reputation in domestic football, having guided some of the country’s leading clubs and worked extensively within youth national team structures. Before his current move to Lioli, he was taking charge at LMPS FC, a club with which he shares a long history dating back to his playing days.
Prior to his time at LMPS, Mahlaha was at the head coach of Matlama FC, where he led the giants through demanding league campaigns and domestic competitions. His time at Matlama reinforced his image as a coach capable of managing pressure at high-profile clubs, while maintaining tactical organisation and consistency across a season.
Beyond club football, Mahlaha has also been entrusted with developing young talent at national level, having coached Lesotho’s Under-20 side (Makoanyane XI) in regional and continental assignments. His involvement in youth football has underlined his emphasis on long-term player development, a quality Lioli will hope to translates into sustainable success.
Known for advocating discipline, structure and collective responsibility, and his formal unveiling complete and LMPS having acknowledged his resignation, attention will now turn to how quickly Mahlaha can imprint his philosophy at Lioli, which currently sits on 5th Place on the Vodacom Premier League table.
