Likuena defender speaks on new adventure in Namibia

Lesotho national team defender Thabang Malane says playing for the national team has worked wonders for him after penning a two-year contract to play for African Stars in Namibia.

The 27-year-old has been a regular member of the Likuena squad since making his debut against Benin in Porto Novo in 2020 and left the country on Wednesday to begin a new adventure in Namibia.

His impressive displays for the national team earned him a place in the COSAFA Best XI during the 2023 edition of the tournament, where Likuena reached the final for the first time since 2000.

“I’m very happy to join African Stars and I would like to thank the Lesotho Football Association as well as the national team coaches for putting their trust in my abilities as a player to represent my country at the highest level,” Malane said.

“Without the national team exposure, Stars wouldn’t have noticed my abilities as a football and I’m grateful to all the coaches for giving me the opportunity to display my talent in the field of play as well as my teammates for helping me shine.”

Malane is looking forward to making a mark in the continent when African Stars begin their campaign in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, where they have been pitted against Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in the preliminary round.

“I’m excited with the new chapter of my football career, where I will get to play in the biggest stage of football in the continent as far as club football is concerned, which is a dream come true for me,” the 27-year-old said.

“I take my hat-off for all the coaches that I have worked with since my career took, all the clubs because that’s where I was spotted to play for the national teams from the U-20 up to the senior team.

“I’m very grateful for all the opportunities given to me through football and I promise to work very hard in Namibia to become a better player that will do all the people in my country proud,” he said.