The Lesotho Defence Forces have confirmed that 20-goal striker Katleho Makateng has agreed on a two-year deal to join Richards Bay in the DStv Premiership.
The Likuena forward arrives in KwaZulu Natal on Monday to complete his move after the two clubs agreed on a transfer fee and the player’s personal terms.
LDF spokesperson Donny Ntakha told a Lesotho weekly Sunday Express on Saturday: “Yes, Richards Bay approached us and showed interest in the player. They presented their offer, and we accepted it after some serious negotiations. Makateng is now on his way to Richards Bay,” Ntakha said.
The move comes after a sensational maiden season for the topflight rookie. His chart-topping 20 goals saw him linked to Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.
He put up stellar performances at the 2022 COSAFA Cup, hitting the target in the 2-1 victory over the Flames of Malawi. In fact, he was named man-of-the-match twice against Malawi and Mauritius. The Leribe-born star is new to the national team set up with his first game played in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March. He scored twice as Jelusic Vesselin’s Lesotho side beat Seychelles 3-1.
Ntakha added that Makateng, who is a military officer in the Lesotho Defence Forces, had served the army with distinction both as a player and as a soldier.
“He was one of our key players. He was new to the team, and we hoped to get more from him. His departure has left a massive void in our team.
“However, we couldn’t stand in his way to greener pastures. Who knows, this could be the start of good things in his promising career,” he said.
Makateng had a season to remember, scooping four accolades during the recently-held 2020/21 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) end-of-season awards.
He was named player of the season, piping Lesotho Correctional Service’s Makara Ntaitsane and Matlama’s Jane Thabantšo to the honours.
He also walked away with the Player of the Season and Players’ player of the season accolades. The 23-year-old was also named the Young Player of the Season, beating the Kick4Life duo of Thapelo Mohale and Teboho Montlha.
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