Likuena begin CHAN preparations

The Lesotho National team-Likuena have begun their preparations for the much anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against South Africa scheduled for Setsoto Stadium on July 28.

Likuena coach Moses Maliehe has named a youthful squad consisting over ten players that are yet to win caps for the national team.

The list includes Matlama’s Rethabile Mokokoane, who won The Econet Premier League 2018/19 Young Player of the Season award. The young defender had an outstanding season partnering Lisema Lebokollane in the heart of Tse Putsoa’s defence as they went all the way to clinch the Econet Premier League title after almost a ten-year drought.

There is also a place in the squad for exciting Bantu winger Neo Mokhachance, who was also impressive for the Mafeteng based outfit in his first year of top flight football in the country.

Last season Econet Premier League Player of the Season, Motebang Sera, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Tšepo Toloane and captain Mafa Moremoholo are among a few experienced players in the team.

Speaking about the upcoming match with neighbours South Africa, Likuena assistance coach Mpitsa Marai, admitted that stakes will be high when the two neighbouring countries go head-to-head in the first leg match at Setsoto Stadium.

The return’s match will be played in South Africa the following weekend.

“It’s a big game for us and it will be a motivation by itself to the players to beat South Africa to advance to the next stage of the tournament,” Marai said.

“We have selected a very young team and we are hopeful that they will do us proud as a country.”

The former national team captain stated that matches between Lesotho and South Africa are always exciting because there is a lot of history between the two countries.