Moorosi Tsiane

KICK4LIFE and Makoanyane XI marksman, Tšeliso Botsane has welcomed his recent call up into the senior national soccer team that is preparing for its CHAN qualifier tie against Zimbabwe.

Likuena travel to Harare for the first leg of the CHAN qualifiers on Friday. They host Zimbabwe in the return leg on 18 November 2019 at Setsoto Stadium.

Botsane, Bantu defender Bokang Sello, LCS’ Refiloe Mothae Thabo Seakhoa and LDF goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi are the only new additions to the CHAN squad while Matlama’s Rethabile Mokokoane and Monaheng Ramalefane have been dropped.

Botsane, who was Kick4Life’s top goal scorer last season said he was happy with the opportunity but said he was aware of the stiff competition that awaits him.

“I have been working hard and I am happy that there are people out there noticing the effort that I am putting in,” Botsane said.

“I am also willing to continue learning and the senior national team will give me that opportunity.

“I have been called up before but was left out of the final team but that has never broken my spirit. Instead, I have continued to work hard and now I am ready for the challenge although I know that it will not be easy because of the stiff competition for my position. There are season players like Tšepo Seturumane (LMPS) and Mokone Marabe (Bantu).”

Botsane, who has been in the national under-20 squad for the past three years, said he was excited about the call up and was looking forward to working with the new technical team.

“I am happy and also I am looking forward to working with the new technical team. I know it is not going to be easy to break into the team but I am not under any pressure. I will listen to the coaches and ensure that I do what is expected of me,” the Kick4Life striker said.

The winner of the qualifier against Zimbabwe will qualify for the sixth edition of the biennial CHAN tournament which exclusively features players from local leagues. The tournament will be played in January and February 2020 in Cameroon.