On Sunday, Likuena produced one of their best performances in a very long time, beating Liberia 2-0 to overturn a 1-0 loss suffered in the first leg match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The win sees Likuena advancing to the second round of the continental football competition, where they will face Kenya, who eliminated the Comoros.
Sunday’s tie was a must-win for Lesotho and also very important to the players and coaching staff for a number of reasons.
All eyes were on Seephephe “Mochini” Matete, who had to prove that he was the right man to take the national team to another level.
The arrival of America-based attacking midfielder, Jane Tšotleho, had also raised eyebrows as the whole country was waiting to see what the young man could offer on the field of play.
Then there were scouts from South African Premier League side, Free State Stars, who came to watch Thapelo Tale, who is set to join them for the 2014/15 season.
I also learned Tale is not the only local player who has attracted the attention of the Free State-based team, as they have also been impressed by Linare midfielder and skipper, Mabuti Potloane.
Tale and Potloane did not disappoint on the day and both gave a very satisfying performance, that lit-up Setsoto stadium.
Tale gave Liberia defenders a hell of a time for the whole 90 minutes, while Potloane was among players who, for me, deserved the man-of-the-match award.
Another player who was outstanding on the day and gave a good account of himself was the US-based Tšotleho .
What a player in Jane “Sunny” Tšotleho.
At only 22 years of age, I still feel this boy will mature to be one of the best players this country has ever produced.
Tšotleho has a cultured left foot, is a good passer of the ball and unafraid to try his luck from long range and of course, his work-rate is very pleasing.
One can only say the future is very bright for this country if we can do things the right way.
The whole group gave their all for the country to get the hard-earned victory over the more fancied West African nation.
I have to say the likes of Motlalepula Mofolo, Nkau Lerotholi, Bushy Moletsane, Mohau Kuenane, and Tšoanelo Koetle proved their class and experience to hand the country what we have long been yearning for.
We could all see the potential of this team during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and I’m glad the new coach has made a lot of changes and only improved the squad.
My hat also goes off to the captain of this team, Moitheri “Mr Reliable” Ntobo.
This is a man who was on the verge of retiring from international football at the end of the 2014 qualifiers after over a decade of national service.
As always the veteran defender played his heart out against Liberia and as usual, led by example as the captain of the team.
We salute “Mr Reliable”.
The national under-20 team is also doing well and one can only say if the football authorities can do things correctly, then the future is bright for our football.
Meanwhile, Mosito Lehata is another of our sporting stars who continues to do this country proud.
The sprinter has continued to break records in different competitions across Europe as he prepares for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, as well as 2016 Olympics.
We are very proud of you Mr Lehata.
This is a humble young man who continues to work hard and fly our flag high.
God bless the Mountain Kingdom.
