Like father, like son. Players in the Lesotho Junior national teams looking to follow in the footsteps of their footballer fathers.

As football fans, we all love to see the children of our favourite players follow in the foosteps of their fathers by being their replica in football after they retire and Lesotho football currently has a few coming through the ranks of the junior national teams.

The Lesotho national Under-17 Coach Motolo Makepe summoned a group of 25 players, which are being assessed for future plans. Among them include offsprings of iconic football names in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Manama Hlojeng: Is the son of former Likuena captain, Mr. Ts’epo Hlojeng, who will be remembered as ths captain of Likuena as they reached the final of the COSAFA Cup in 2000. Just like his famous dad, Manama plays as a defender though as a left-back while his father was known as centre-back.

Leluma Mofoka: The 15-year-old goalkeeper, who has been picked for both Bahlabani and Makoanyane XI, made history on Saturday making his debut for Matlama in the 3-1 victory over Lefofane becoming one the youngest players to play in the Lesotho Premier League. His father is Qoaling Highlanders head Coach Wright Mofoka, who though never played for the national teams, but has made a name for himself in the beautiful game as midfielder for now defunct Arsenal, a powerhouse of Lesotho football in the late 80s and early 1990s. He also has a decent CV as a coach having led Qoaling Highlanders to the Premier League and winning the A Division Top 8 during the 2010/11 season as well as a stint as an assistant coach at Likhopo.

Lisema Mokhoromeng: Is the son of Mr. Mohau Mokhoromeng, former Matlama, LMPS and Lesotho international as well as coach, who many feel his career in football was nartured by the late LeFA Technical Director Seepheephe ‘Mochine’ Matete. Mr. Mokhoromeng came through the ranks at Matlama as a powerful striker and had stints in the Lesotho junior national teams. His son is a defensive midfielder like others looking to cement their places in the Lesotho junior teams and hopefully graduate to the senior team.

Paseka Ntlaloe: Is the son of Ntlaloe Ntlaloe, who recently led Limkokwing University to the Premier League having coached the club for eight years in the A Division. He never had a big name as a player playing for Amazulu from Mapoteng in the lower divisions as well as a stint with Rovers during his time at the National University of Lesotho, but his son, who plays as striker will be looking to make a name of himself as a player.

Reitumetse Lefoka: Is the son of former Bantu, Liphakoe and Majantja player, Mr. Baile Lefoka, who came through thr ranks alongside the likes of Mpitsa Marai and the late Motlatsi Shale. He also played for the junior teams and his son, Reitumetse will be looking to emulate hos father now that he has been given a chance with U-17 team by coach Motolo Makepe.

Thuto Khetsi: Comes from a football family that has produced top football players with his father, Mr. Paseka Khetsi and uncle, Rets’elisitsoe having played for both Makoanyane XI and Likuena. Its no suprise that the young man is also looking to make a name for himself to maintain the family legacy of his father, who was a talented attacking midfielder while his uncle played in goals.

Source: Lesotho Football Association