Mikia Kalati
VETERAN goalkeeper Mohau Kuenane is dying to get his career back on track after a surprise inclusion in the Likuena squad for the last weekend’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Cape Verde.
Kuenane, who is a free agent after parting ways with Lioli at the end of the 2017/18 season, was called up for national duty by coach Moses Maliehe for the game against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde.
Likuena were held to a 1-1 draw by Cape Verde on Sunday, a game that they had hoped to win to better their chances of qualify for the continental tournament for the first time.
Tse Nala loaned the goalkeeper to Kick4Life last season and featured in seven games in the second round before he was released by the club at the end of the season.
He was on the bench along with Sam Ketsekile on Sunday at Setsoto Stadium as Likano Mphuthi kept his place as the national team’s first choice goalkeeper.
However, the 34-year old goalkeeper told this publication that the national team call up has motivated him to fight for his career.
that once saw him as the first choice for Lesotho and Lioli.
“I spent six months at Lioli last season and my form in that period earned me a national team call-up,” Kuenane said.
“I was talking to several clubs who were interested in my services just before the transfer window closed but it was too late to seal any of the deals.
“However, my ambition is to comeback and I am ready to join any interested team. I am confident that I will find a new home and hopefully this week.”
Kuenane said he was humbled by his selection into the Likuena squad for the game against Cape Verde.
“It is important for me to return to action at club level abut at the same time it is also a challenge because I have not been part of the national team for two years.
“I was out with a long term injury during the 2017/18 as well as other issues I had at Lioli, but played a few games at Kick4Life in the second round.
“However, the fact that the national team coach has shown faith in me despite all the challenges I have faced is an indication that I still have a lot to offer to the game. There are also supporters who still want to see me back in action and that is a motivation for me to come back,” he said.
Maliehe also stressed that it was crucial for Kuenane to secure a club and play regularly to boost his chances of selection for national duty.
Meanwhile, Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi says they can make special arrangements for Kuenane to be registered since he is a free agent and also a national team player.
