Lesotho’s Under-15 (U15) national football team has been ranked seventh among the 14 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) member countries following its participation in the U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan.
The team was ranked 27th in Africa and 116th globally out of 189 participating countries, according to team manager Sechaba Penane, who revealed the rankings during a welcoming ceremony held at Bambatha following the team’s return home.
Penane expressed pride in the players for their dedication and commitment throughout the competition, saying that although the final outcome was not what they had hoped for, the tournament had provided valuable international exposure.
Lesotho concluded its campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Syria but registered notable victories against Gabon (3-2) and Bahrain (2-1), as well as a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Tahiti.
Speaking on behalf of the players, captain Kamohelo Motsamai thanked everyone who supported the team throughout its journey, saying the players had worked hard and remained determined despite the challenges they encountered.
Motsamai said the experience had equipped them with valuable lessons, skills and exposure to international football, adding that the players were proud to have represented Lesotho on the global stage.
Head coach Mahlomola Matšoara also praised the players for their determination and discipline, noting that the challenges encountered during the tournament did not prevent them from fulfilling their responsibilities.
Matšoara said he was particularly proud of the respect and discipline demonstrated by the players, adding that their participation marked an important milestone in the development of youth football in the country.
He said the tournament had offered the young players an opportunity to measure their abilities against international standards, learn from different football cultures and gain experience that could benefit their future careers.
Officially welcoming the team, Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) president Lijane Nthunya said the players had represented the country with pride and deserved recognition for their achievement.
Nthunya said representing Lesotho at a prestigious FIFA competition was an honour in itself, regardless of the results recorded on the field.
He noted that competing and interacting with young footballers from different countries provided an important learning opportunity, stressing that the experience went beyond football results to include personal growth, discipline, teamwork and cultural exchange.
“This experience is about much more than football results. It is about personal growth, discipline, teamwork, cultural exchange and developing a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Nthunya said.
He encouraged the players to use the international exposure as a stepping stone towards greater achievements, saying their journey was only beginning.
Nthunya further emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent through structured development programmes, noting that LeFA was committed to creating pathways that would allow promising players to progress through the different national age groups.
He said the association wanted to develop players with strong technical and tactical abilities who understood the professional demands of football and could eventually compete at the highest international level.
The LeFA president also urged the players to remain humble, disciplined and focused, while continuing to respect their coaches, teammates and parents.
He acknowledged the contribution of parents and guardians, saying their encouragement, sacrifices and continued support played a significant role in the development of young footballers.
Nthunya reaffirmed LeFA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots football and expanding youth development opportunities, adding that investment in young players was essential to the future success of Lesotho’s national teams.
He said the players’ participation in the tournament should inspire them to work harder, improve their abilities and pursue their football ambitions with renewed confidence.
The U15 team’s campaign in Azerbaijan represents an important step in exposing Lesotho’s emerging football talent to international competition, with the experience expected to contribute to the country’s long-term youth football development.
Summary
- Matšoara said he was particularly proud of the respect and discipline demonstrated by the players, adding that their participation marked an important milestone in the development of youth football in the country.
- He said the association wanted to develop players with strong technical and tactical abilities who understood the professional demands of football and could eventually compete at the highest international level.
- The U15 team’s campaign in Azerbaijan represents an important step in exposing Lesotho’s emerging football talent to international competition, with the experience expected to contribute to the country’s long-term youth football development.
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