Lesotho coach Halemakale Mahlaha has named his provisional squad for the upcoming COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship to be staged in Malawi from October 11-20.

The experienced coach, who will be heading to his second successive COSAFA Under-17 Championship in charge of Lesotho, is adamant his side has grown in leaps and bounds to make it past the group stage of the regional competition.

Lesotho is in Group B with defending champions Angola, along with Comoros and Mozambique.

“We have been preparing the team for the COSAFA Championship that will be staged in Malawi next month, but it has not been easy because some of our players have not been available due to school commitments,” Mahlaha said.

“However, we still have a good team and I’m confident that we will be able to compete. The response has been very good from the players and I have a good feeling that we will get past the group stage.     “We are in a tough group that has defending champions in Angola while we also know what to expect from Mozambique because we played them and lost 2-1 in the last year’s edition of the tournament.

“We will be opening our campaign against Comoros and we know they are also a tough side, but our goal is to have a good tournament.  I’m happy with preparations up to so far having played against Eswatini and Botswana and winning both matches.”

Lesotho Provisional squad:

Goalkeepers:  Motlatsi Sebapala, Sidwell Maduke, Maqebo Temana, Teboho Moleko.

Defenders: Tumisang Nkubu, Neo Kholuoe, Tumisang Sefeane, Khatebe Seotsanyane, Tebello Mosoeu, Lesia Mabote. 

Midfielders: Bokang Rajane, Taemane Shea, Thapelo Chabeli, Relebohile Mathai, Samuel Malibo, Mokorong Muso, Majara Mashela, Moqolisi Mothae, Herry Zililo, Refiloe Mokokoane, Monahehng Monaheng, Tlotlisang Ntakatsana, Mochatso Senna, Thabang Matekane, Moeketsi Phenetsi.

Forwards: Lintle Chocholo, Neo Maieane, Kefiloe Nqoko, Kabelo Makoa. 

By Mikia Kalati