Leemisa Thuseho

FOLLOWING his debut senior national soccer team call-up, LCS right back Thabang Malane says he is ready to deliver once he gets the opportunity.

Likuena coach Thabo Senong earlier this year named Malane in his squad for the back-to-back clash with Benin in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The matches were initially penned in for 23 and 31 March 2020 but were postponed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Malane told the Sunday Express that a national team call-up was every player’s dream hence he is ready to grab the hence with both hands when he gets a chance to play.

“I am happy with the call-up because it is every player’s dream to represent their country at national level,” Malane said.

“I am ready for the challenge.”

Despite performing so well for his team in the 2017/18 Econet Premier League season, Makae did not see the opportunity coming this early.

“I didn’t see this one coming because most players in the same position were also playing really well. However, I am ready now that I have been called-up.”

He said he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that he impressed the Likuena technical team and prove that he deserves to play for the national team.

“I want to deliver my best and prove that my call up wasn’t driven by favouritism.”

“Just being called for the national team is adequate motivation that will force me to work hard.

“When I was called, I also received a warm welcome from the seniors. They treated me so well and have been extremely supportive.”

Malane was part of the Under-20 national team that represented Lesotho at the 2016 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) championship in South Africa.

He believes the under-20 experience may help him survive national team pressure.

During the ongoing lockdown, Malane is training at home to ensure he maintains fitness when the domestic league resumes.