Leemisa Thuseho
MAKOANYANE XI head coach-Bob Mafoso says his squad is expected to report for its final camp tomorrow in preparation for its 2019 COSAFA appearance from 4 to 14 December 2019 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The team is scheduled to leave the country this week for a five-day camp in South Africa before heading for Zambia on 3 December.
Out of 26 players who were initially called into the provisional squad, Mafoso said they have trimmed the squad to 22 players. He said they would soon trim the team further to 19 players.
“We have trimmed the team to 22 players and we are looking forward to trimming the squad to a final 19 players,” Mafoso told Sunday Express on Friday.
After playing friendlies against Botswana and eSwatini earlier this year, Makoanyane XI travelled to Botswana last weekend for another two friendlies winning 0-2 before drawing nil-all.
“The friendlies were meant to give the players exposure so that they will get used to competition against other countries.
“After our last friendly in Botswana, we are ready. We won 0-2 in the first game and drew the second one. We are happy that we did not concede but we will continue sharpening our skills in all departments in the remaining preparation time.”
Mafoso said he was happy that he got more time with the players this time around compared to their last outing.
“We have played a significant number of friendlies and we anticipate more next week (this week). We are targeting teams from the Multichoice Diski Challenge in South Africa and the preparations for such games are at an advance stage,” Mafoso said.
He gave credit to the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) for rendering them the necessary support in the preparations.
“The association played its part and now is time for us to play our part,” he added.
Last year, Lesotho were eliminated in the group stages but Mafoso said they will be out in full force to improve this year.
Lesotho is in Group B alongside South Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Their first game will be against Madagascar on 5 December before they lock horns with Mauritius three days later. The side plays South Africa on the 10th.