National junior teams face SA counterparts

Seabata Mahao

The national junior teams will this weekend take on their South African counterparts in a series of friendly matches as part of their preparation for their upcoming international qualifier games.

In preparation for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-20 qualifiers, the under-20 team, affectionately known as Makoanyane XI, will host South Africa’s Amajita in a two-match series starting today at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, with the second match taking place on Sunday.

Bahlabani, the national Under-17 team will face their South African counterparts at the UJ Stadium in Soweto, with matches also scheduled for today and Sunday in preparation for the under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, and the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Qualifiers scheduled for September and December 2024, respectively.

Makoanyane XI’s coach, Halemakale Mahlaha, welcomed the opportunity to test his team against a strong South African side, which he believes will provide valuable preparation ahead of the tournament in Eswatini.

“Let me first thank the Association for affording us this opportunity to test our team against a very strong South African side. We still have a bit of time before the tournament, and I have no doubt that these two matches will give us a clear picture of how far we have gone in our preparations,” Mahlaha said.

Mahlaha is confident that players like Leluma Mofoka, Paseka Maile, and Malefetsane Tomako, who have already experienced playing at higher levels both domestically and internationally, will play a crucial role in securing positive results against Amajita.

On the other hand, Bahlabani’s coach, Sidwell Mothea, acknowledged that playing against Amajimbos will present a different challenge compared to the matches played thus far in their preparations.

“The two matches are very important in our preparations leading to the COSAFA tournament because we are still a work in progress. I have seen a lot of improvements after our recent games in Bloemfontein and Durban, but I feel like playing South Africa will be a different ball game altogether. They play with high intensity and have a lot of individual brilliance in their team, which will be a good test for our players to assess our readiness before heading to the tournament,” Mothea said.

Bahlabani Squad for Friendly Matches with Amajimbos:

• Goalkeepers: Kananelo Sebapala (Fafatsa FC), Bataung Moleli (Molibeli Wonderous FC)
• Defenders: Kabelo Thamae (MPSA Academy FC), Lebohang Ramalitse (Hunters FC), Setsoto Lepheana (Hunters FC), Masupha Seetsa (Kick4life FC), Rapelang Lejakane (LMPS Development Maseru), Manama Hlojeng (Kick4life FC), Mothabeng Mothabeng (Success FC), Motati Pabatso (BB Fast XI FC), Karabo Lethoko (Roaring Lions FC)
• Midfielders: Lekanyane Kalache (Liponono FC), Leseli Makoae (Majimbos FC), Retshelisitsoe Mokhosi (Hunters FC), Lechesa Mkahupane (Mokhotlong LMPS FC), Thuto Khetsi (Kick4life FC), Hlompho Makhanya (Setoko FC), Sebilokanan (MPSA)
• Forwards: Rethabile Nqoko (Majantja FC), Lefa Marumo (Lehakoe FC), Skhosana Manamathela (Mokhotlong LMPS FC), Morena Masithela (FC Eagles Development), Mokhachane Rethabile (Young Tiger Boys FC)

Makoanyane XI Squad to Face Amajita:

• Goalkeepers: Leluma Mofoka (Matlama FC), Thabelang Thafeng (Swallows FC), Reitumetse Moeletsi (AC TIP FC)
• Defenders: Majara Mohale (CCX FC), Mahlomola Mafeto (AC TIP FC), Limpho Ralesupi (Majantja FC), Tšepo Matsoso (Majantja FC), Kopano Tsiane (AC TIP FC), Lehlohonolo Leemisa (AC TIP FC), Bafokeng Ntseno (Hunters FC), Malefetsane Tamako (Matlama FC)
• Midfielders: Sechaba Mohapi (Lioli FC), Tumelo Mokena (CCX FC), Tšepo Senamolele (K4L Juventude FC), Lebohang Janki (Swallows FC), Rorisang Malefane (Linare FC), Tumelo Shai (Orlando Pirates Development FC), Thandazo Ndlovu (Majantja FC), Reamohetse Mefane (Majantja FC), Mokhethi Raputsoe (Mzamane FC)
• Forwards: Nyolohelo Mahloane (Matlama FC), Tholang Makuru (Lioli FC), Paseka Maile (Kick4life Juventude FC), Kefiloe Nqoko (Kick4life Juventude FC), Tšepokome (Majantja FC)

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