Lesotho coach Halemakale Mahlaha has announced his final squad to represent the Mountain Kingdom at the 2019 COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship scheduled for Malawi from October 11- 20.

Mahlaha is confident of better fortunes this year after his side were eliminated in the group stages in the 2018 edition of the tournament, where they lost to Zambia and Mozambique, but managed a 1-1 draw against eventual finalists South Africa.

The Lesotho coach stated that his side will have a mini camp in South Africa before heading to the championship and are likely to play a few friendly matches as they fine-tune their preparations.

“It has not been easy for us in preparing for the upcoming tournament in Malawi because we have had to drop some players from the squad as they are busy preparing for their final examinations,” the Lesotho coach said.

“But I have confidence in those that are in the team because they are equally talented. Our goal is to improve on last year’s performance having been eliminated in the group stage.

“We will be playing a few friendly matches during our mini-camp in South Africa early in October and I’m confident that it will be helpful to our boys, especially those that are new in the team and lack international exposure.”

Lesotho squad:

Goalkeepers: Motlatsi Sebapala (Kick4Life), Maqebo Temana (Juventus), Sidwell Maluke (LCS Development)

Defenders: Neo Kholuoe (Lioli Development), Tumisang Sefeeane (Linoto FC), Khatebe Seotsanyana (Millennium Park Soccer Academy), Bakoena Monaheng (Rydo), Tumisang Nkubu (Kingdom Stars), Herey Zililo (Monaco)

Midfielders: Taemane Shea (LCS Development), Bokang Rajane (African United Stars Academy), Majara Mashela (LCS Development), Moqolosi Mothae (FC Likhopo), Relebohile Mathai (Top City FC), Popolosi Malibo (Litotjela FC), Muso Makopong (Libata FC), Refiloe Mokokoane (Winners FC)

Strikers: Kefiloe Nqoko (Hunters FC), Lintle Chochono (Matala Citizen FC), Relebohile Koloi (Lifefo FC).

By Mikea Ntanda