Lesotho’s national Under 20 coach Bafokeng Mohapi has bemoaned a lack of readiness ahead of the COSAFA Championship set for Eswatini, writes Tlalane Phahla.
Makoanyane XI, as Lesotho’s Under is commonly known, will depart to Eswatini on Wednesday for the COSAFA Championship.
The tournament is scheduled to start on October 7-16, and Lesotho is in Group B alongside defending champions in Mozambique, Angola and Seychelles.
This is not an easy group for Lesotho, and Mohapi has admitted that based on the recent friendly matches they have played against UJ and Botswana, his players are not there yet.
LEFT OUT
He has also left out some players who will write their examinations next week.
“We played Botswana how we played against (UJ), we were meeting with the players on weekends, so physically they are not where you would like them to be. We have tried to help them get into the competition at the right level,” he said.
“We sent them programs when they were with their clubs, but I think they didn’t do them well because of school. There are those we had selected, but they are writing their exams on October 11. We will still be in the tournament, so we had to leave them behind,” he said.
Their last involvement in the Under 20 regional competition was in 2020, and they were knocked out of the group stages without winning a single game.
In 2021, they did not participate in the COSAFA Championship. However, Makoanyane XI had promising performances previously in 2017. They progressed to the semi-finals and were knocked out by South Africa.
RELATIVELY NEW
Mohapi has called a relatively new team. Some players will be competing internationally for the first time. Amongst the final squad, he has included Lijabatho’s Lintle Chocholo, who helped his club beat Naughty Boys last week and got on the score sheet.
The COSAFA Championship will also serve as a qualifier for the AFCON U20 Egypt 2023. It is a chance for the players to make history and become the first to qualify for the continental showpiece. For that to happen, they must first beat Angola in the opening game on Saturday and do a job against Seychelles and Mozambique.
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.
