Premier League giants Lioli FC have begun a major rebuilding exercise ahead of the 2026/27 season after releasing six senior players, including last season’s Player of the Season, SihleMaso.

Following their poor league title defence where they finished seventh on the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) final log table, Lioli have confirmed the departure of several players as they seek to create room for new signings and reshape the squad under new head coach Halemakale Mahlaha.

“As part of early preparations for next season and to create room for new signings, Lioli has announced the departure of six players,” the club said.

The released players are SihleMaso, SechabaMohapi, NkotoMasoabi, LitšepeMarabe, RetšepileKhubetsoana and TšoaneloKoetle.

The biggest surprise on the list is South African-born midfield maestro SihleMaso, who only recently suffered a serious head injury during a Vodacom Premier League clash against Matlama FC less than two months ago.

Maso, who joined Lioli from South African side Amavarara FC in 2023, had established himself as one of the club’s key players and was instrumental in the team’s recent successes. However, his campaign was cut short after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery.

The midfielder now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he continues his recovery.

Despite his injury struggles, Maso’s performances earned him the club’s 2025 Player of the Season award, making his departure one of the most talked-about decisions by the Berea-based outfit.

Also leaving the club is striker NkotoMasoabi alongside former Bantu FC duo TšoaneloKoetle and LitšepeMarabe, who both joined Lioli only a year ago. SechabaMohapi, son of former Lioli coach Motheo Mohapi, and RetšepileKhubetsoana complete the list of departures.

“Lioli Football Club appreciates all these players for their dedication and effort into the team and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” the statement further read.

Lioli endured a disappointing league campaign by their lofty standards, finishing seventh after having won back-to-back league titles under Motheo Mohapi before his departure to Bantu FC.

Now under Mahlaha, who previously coached Matlama FC and LMPS, the club appears determined to rebuild and introduce new faces capable of fitting into the coach’s philosophy as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance.

Although the outgoing players failed to help Lioli defend the league title, they leave with silverware after guiding the club to victory in the People’s Cup, where Lioli defeated Bantu FC on penalties in the final.

• Following their poor league title defence where they finished seventh on the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) final log table, Lioli have confirmed the departure of several players as they seek to create room for new signings and reshape the squad under new head coach Halemakale Mahlaha.
• Maso, who joined Lioli from South African side Amavarara FC in 2023, had established himself as one of the club’s key players and was instrumental in the team’s recent successes.
• Although the outgoing players failed to help Lioli defend the league title, they leave with silverware after guiding the club to victory in the People’s Cup, where Lioli defeated Bantu FC on penalties in the final.

Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.