Mohapi names final squad for COSAFA U-20 tourney

Lesotho National under-20 coach Bafokeng Mohapi has named his final squad for the COSAFA Under-20 Championship scheduled for Eswatini from October 7-16.

The 2022 edition of the tournament will have a lot at stake as it’s also regional qualifier for the TotalEnergies AFCON U-20 Egypt 2023.

Mohapi was the first to admit that his side must up their game following below par performances in the two warm-up matches against Botswana, where they played a draw and a lost the other.

“The recent friendly games against University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Botswana were part of our preparations, which we used to try different combinations and look at all the players in the squad,” Mohapi stated.

“It gave us a picture of what needs to be done in our final preparations leading into the tournament.”

Mohapi bemoaned the absence of some of his key players, who will not travel to Eswatini as they must sit for their final examinations while the tournament will be taking place.

“I think physically our players are not where we would want them to be as we could only train them on weekends due to school commitments during the week-days,” the Makoanyane XI coach explained.

“But we will do our best to improve their physical condition in the remaining days. Unfortunately, we have others that have been omitted from the final squad  as they have to sit for examinations,” he said.

The Makoanyane XI coach feels his team is still a work in progress but is confident of a good showing in Eswatini.

“We want to do well at the tournament, but we are aware that our team is still a work in progress because it’s new squad and majority of the players will be heading to their first COSAFA tournament,” Mohapi said.

“It is a worrying factor in terms of them getting the stage fright, but we are doing a lot of work to get them ready psychologically,” he said.

Lesotho are in Group B alongside defending champions in Mozambique, Angola and Seychelles.

Makoanyane XI Squad for COSAFA Championship:

GOALKEEPERS: Katiso Tsoamotse, Maqebo Temana, Tṧepo Mokhanya.

DEFENDERS: Moalosi Lebeko, Khosimotse Theko, Bakuena Monaheng, Bongani Feketho, Lehlohonolo Leemisa, Tlotliso Mapola.

MIDFIELDERS: Reabetsoe Linono, Tanki Tsibela, Neo Maieane, Relebohile Malefane, Lintle Chocholo, Bataung Molefi.

STRIKERS: Tumeliso Ratṧiu, Tṧepo Kome, Molefi Kolehile. Limpho Ralesupi.