Teboho Molapo
MASERU — Lehlohonolo Seema (pictured left) , Lesotho’s best football export, is not sure if he will still be able to represent the country by the time Likuena resume international commitments in two years’ time.
The national team captain was not consulted or informed when the Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) decided not to enter Likuena in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers.
Seema, who turns 30 in June, told the Sunday Express he was “surprised” to learn about the development through the media.
“I just saw it in the newspapers like everybody else, but the (Lefa) executive board is there to make such decisions and they must have their reasons,” the tough-tackling defender said.
The Orlando Pirates star said he was not sure what the future held for him.
“The fact is that there is no national team at the moment so it’s hard for me to comment on that,” Seema said.
“I will see if by then (2012) if I’m still able to play for the national team.”
“What if the new coach does not pick me?” he added.
“Age is not my side anymore and I’m at a stage where it is hard to tell in what shape I will be in.”
For the next two years Lefa will instead concentrate its resources on an Under-20 development team.
Seema is highly unlikely to play in the Cosafa Senior Challenge which is expected to be Likuena’s only international action this year.
The Mafeteng-born player, who joined Pirates in 2006 and was voted player of the year by the club’s supporters in his first season, did not feature in league action this season because of a litany of injuries.
He said he could consider concentrating on his club career only.
“Like I said, I don’t know what is in the future,” Seema said.
“Looking at my injuries I might decide to focus on my club career to prolong my career.
“This season I have not played a league match.”
Various muscle injuries have curtailed his participation.
Although Pirates are still in South Africa’s knockout competitions Seema — who has begun light training — said his main focus now was to get fit for next season.
“Of course every player would be disappointed with not being able to play,” he said.
“But it’s part of the game and you have to accept that you will get these injuries.
“It will be up to the coach if he selects me (this season), but for me the aim is to be fit for next season.”
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