MASERU – Lesotho will play South Africa’s development team in two practice matches over the next five days.
The first match will be played today with the second taking place on Monday – both at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.
The South African team is made up mostly of fringe players, mainly Under-23s, struggling for game time at their clubs.
The visiting side is preparing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying campaign which starts in March.
Lesotho have not registered for CHAN, the continental competition designed for players playing club football in their own countries.
The training matches in Maseru will both be played in the evening.
“The kick-off times, though they have not been confirmed with the South African team, it is envisaged that they will be set at 1730 for 1800 hours to allow supporters to be able to watch the games,” said a statement released by the Lesotho Football Association yesterday.
Tonight’s match will be Lesotho’s first game on home soil since hosting Botswana last March.
Likuena’s caretaker coach Leslie Notši will take charge of the team.
Notši said the team would be a combination of players who took part in the Cosafa Under-20 Championship last month, Under-23s and a few senior players.
The team was to be named by last night.
Notši said the practice matches would still be important even if Likuena will not play a competitive match this year.
Besides not entering the CHAN tournament, Lesotho have also not entered the draw for the 2012 African Nations Cup.
“Every game, whether it is official or a friendly, is important,” Notši said.
“And this match is important because it is between two national teams.”
He added: “As it is a development team we need to make sure we guide them towards what the national team should be.
“And that they know what it means to play for the national team.
“This is part of the process.”
Premier League chairman Tlholo Letete yesterday said he did not expect the two games to affect this weekend’s Premier League schedule.
The players in the national team will return to their clubs tomorrow and then join up again on Monday morning.
South Africa team:
Goalkeepers: Jacob Mokhasi (SuperSport United), Wayne Roberts (Santos), Jackson Mabokgwane (Sundowns), Thela Ngobeni (Kaizer Chiefs), Buti Khoza (Jomo Cosmos).
Defenders: Robin Johannes (Sundowns), Daniel Tshabalala (Platinum Stars), Siphamandla Vilakazi (Moroka Swallows), Darren Dicks (FC Cape Town), Morne Davids (FC Cape Town), Sibusiso Mxoyane (Orlando Pirates), Brendon Barkhuizen (Wits).
Midfielders: Wayne Matle (Kaizer Chiefs), Michael Nkambule (Kaizer Chiefs), Gareth Ncaca (Sundowns), Thuso Phala (Sundowns), Fanyana Mokeona (Sundowns), Bongane Thwala (Sundowns), Godfrey Sapula (Platinum Stars), Mkhanyiseli Siwahla (no club), Bridget Motha (University of Pretoria), Thabo Moleko (SuperSport United).
Strikers: Petrus Mahlatsi (SuperSport United), Ryan Botha (Moroka Swallows), Lucky Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Sandile Gumede (AmaZulu).
