Mohloai Mpesi
The Lesotho football national team Likuena, left without its head coach Moses Maliehe, on Wednesday, ahead of the Confederation of Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa), tournament in Durban, South Africa.
Likuena will lock horns with the Ugandan Cranes tomorrow at Prince Magobo stadium, marshaled by two assistant coaches; Mpitsa Marai and James Madidilane.
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA)s General Manager, Rantsubise Matete, on Tuesday stated that Maliehes health won’t allow him to embark on the trip with the squad.
His health is currently not good, so he will not be travelling with a team,he said.
Maliehes goalless draw against Cape Verde and consequently failing to lead the pack to the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) sent the whole country at roar, with numerous debates charging the head coach must bow out of leading the team.
Matete standing on the coachs corner stated that Maliehe has been performing well since his arrival.
LeFA saw a difference since his arrival at the club, compared to the past coaches, and we decided to continue with him. I can’t say we are extremely happy with his performance, but we appreciate the difference he has made so far, he said.
Matete continued to say that both coaches have been mandated to reach the final stages of the competition, indicating that their fate will be determined after the championships.
We have given both coaches a mandate that the Semi-finals would not yield good results for us. They at least have to reach the finals of Cosafa, and we will determine their fate when they return, whether we continue with them or we look for other coaches, he said.
Matete further remarked of the outstanding performance of both Bantu FC coaches, James Madidilane and Posnet Omoney, which captured their interest to having them in the national team.
LeFA saw it fit to reinforce the coaches sector of Likuena. It is not a denying fact that Omoney and Madidilane have proved themselves at their club and that propelled us to add them in the national team,Matete said.
Marai stated that the squad is fit and ready to take against the Cranes.
Uganda thrashed Lesotho twice on both legs of the Afcon qualifiers; first 2-0 at the away game and 3-0 at a packed Setsoto stadium.
We first started with the teams fitness, then had a friendly against Africa United FC which helped us a lot.
Our preparations have been good and we promise Basotho victory. We are going to work hard, Marai said, adding that they found footage of their past games.
We found clips for our past games and we have spotted their weaknesses. We will see how we are going to capitalise so we can bring victory home, he said.
