Moorosi Tsiane
LIKUENA captain Mafa Moremoholo says his side is fired up ahead of its do-or-die 2019 AFCON qualifier against Cape Verde this afternoon in Praia.
The Moses Maliehe coached side needs a win against the islanders if they are to make a history today by becoming the first national squad to qualify for the biennial competition.
Moremoholo said the match itself is a motivation for the players, who are ready to fight.
“This is a big match for us and the nature itself is an immense motivation so the team is determined to fight because we need the win,” Moremoholo said.
The hardworking right back said winning today’s match is not only important for the team but also for the nation at large.
“It’s an important match but not only for the team but also to the nation at large, so we just owe it to the country to make them happy by winning to make history,” Moremoholo said.
Former Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) technical director Lehlohonolo Thotanyana echoed Moremoholo’s sentiments saying the team is ready for the challenge.
Thotanyana was one of the three coaches whose assistance was requested by Maliehe to prepare the team, which was in a week-long camp at the High-Performance Training Centre in Pretoria alongside Leslie Notši and Seephephe Matete.
Likuena are second in Group L with five points behind the already qualified Uganda with 13 points while Tanzania are third with five points and Cape Verde are anchoring the group with four points.
Thotanyana said the hunger shown by the players was promising but also at the same time it needed to be managed to ensure that they don’t lose focus.
“They are motivated and ready for the match. They have also been pushing each other during the training and look determined to make history. It is important that they are showing such hunger but it also needs to be managed so that it doesn’t distract them. There is still so much work to be done.
“They have to focus on the match and forget about the history. This is going to be a difficult match, even mentally since it comes with lots of pressure. The pressure of playing away against a desperate team which also needs a win to qualify is immense,” Thotanyana said.
The Lioli coach said the most important part on the day will be the implementation of the tactics.
“When you prepare a team you already know how you want to play so it’s important for the players to play according to the plan. I am confident because I have seen the players’ zeal to win.”
Likuena squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Sam Ketsekile (LCS), Monaheng Ramalefane (Matlama, Tankiso Chaba (Liphakoe)
DEFENDERS: Mafa Moremoholo (Lioli), Bokang Sello (Bantu), Lesia Thetsane (Columbia College USA), Kopano Tseka (Lioli), Nkau Lerotholo and Basia Makepe (both) LMPS).
MIDFIELDERS: Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thabantšo (both Matlama), Sepiriti Malefane, Setho Moshoeshoe (both LCS), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Tumelo Khutlang Tshwarelo Bereng (both Black Leopards), Tšoanelo Koetle (Lioli), Rethabile Selonyane (Linare), Jane Tšotleho Louisville City (USA).
STRIKERS: Motebang Sera (Matlama), Roboama Koloti (LMPS) and Nkoto Masoabi (Real Kings).
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