Pascalinah Kabi

MASERU — Montoeli Sonopo could become the first player from Lesotho to play in Europe after impressing at a 10-day talent scouting camp in Cameroon.

The 17-year-old Lioli winger was selected to be among the top 15 performers at the trials camp in Douala which included players from other countries in Africa.

This means the speed merchant is among the starlets who could earn moves to European clubs.

Scouts from European clubs were at the trials which ended on Tuesday.

The trials camp was arranged by Fifa-accredited agent Olivier Noah of Noga Sports Management based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Noah has organised similar try-outs in the past.

In February, he organised a camp in Accra, Ghana, after which 14 young players out of 85 earned themselves opportunities at European clubs.

Lioli public relations officer Moeketsi Pitso said Sonopo had done well enough to be among the best performers at the camp.

“The trials went very well for the boy,” Pitso told the Sunday Express.

“He was among the last 15 boys who were selected out of the many who attended the trials and their details were taken by the organisers.”

Sonopo, who started his career at Lioli feeder club TY Thunder, has enjoyed a breakthrough year.

His performances for relegated Nyenye Rovers last season earned him a move to Lioli in September.

The winger was also part of the Makoanyane XI squad which qualified for next year’s Caf African Youth Championship.

After arriving in Johannesburg from Cameroon on Wednesday, Sonopo joined his Makoanyane XI team mates on their way to Botswana for the Cosafa Under-20 Youth Championship.

Pitso said they were excited by Sonopo’s exploits.

“This achievement is not only for the boy but the whole team as we want to give our players opportunities to improve their careers internationally,” he said.