Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Likuena will take on Botswana in an international friendly match on Wednesday in a move that has been welcomed by national team coach Leslie Notsi.
Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) public relations officer, Baba Malephane, confirmed the tie in an interview on Wednesday.
The Botswana game forms part of Likuena’s preparations for their tough 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan next month.
The friendly match will take place on Wednesday night at UB National Stadium in Gaborone.
The game will also be crucial for Stanley Tshosane’s Zebras side who themselves will be involved in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The Zebras have been drawn in a tough group that comprises Central Africa Republic and regional giants South Africa.
However, Notsi has been forced to leave behind the trio of Basia Makepe, Jeremiah Kamele and Pali Tšalong who will be sitting for examinations in the next coming weeks.
“It’s true that we needed the services of these three players, but at the same time we have to encourage and support them to do well in their academic studies,” said Notsi.
“I’m happy with what I have seen so far from the boys in training and we are all hopeful of doing well against both Botswana and Ghana.”
Notsi said he might recall the trio for the home qualifying match against Sudan scheduled for June 10 at Setsoto Stadium.
Botswana-based striker, Lehlomela Ramabele, of BDF and midfielder Katleho Moleko of Cape Town Santos joined the rest of the squad on Friday ahead of the trips to Gaborone and Accra.
Meanwhile, Notsi said midfield maestro Bushy Moletsane has been struggling with a nagging ankle injury.
“We are hopeful that our medical team will declare the player fit before we leave the country, because all members of the team must be fully fit for the two crucial games against Ghana and Sudan as well as the Botswana friendly match,” added the coach.
Likuena have been inactive in the past three months.
Their last match was the 2013 African Cup of Nation’s preliminary round qualifier against Sao Tomé and Principe in January.
Comments are closed.