Bokang ‘Lefty’ Mothoana
Mikia Kalati
LIKUENA captain, Bokang Mothoana says there were so many positives in the national team’s performances at the COSAFA Cup despite the disappointment of missing out on an appearance in the final.
Likuena narrowly missed out on a spot in the final after being edged 3-4 by eventual winners Zimbabwe in a semifinal thriller on Wednesday night. They subsequently went down 2-4 on penalties to Tanzania in Friday evening’s third and fourth play-off.
Thapelo Mokhehle and Motebang Sera missed their spot kicks in the dead rubber which coach Moses Maliehe also used to hand official debuts to Bantu’s Itumeleng Faleni and US-based Napo Matsoso who did not disappoint in their first competitive match.
And Mothoana who missed all the games was quick to point out that they could have done better.
“The team played very well though we could have done better if we converted the chances we created and minimised the mistakes we did as well,” Mothoana said.
“But I am very impressed with the progress of the team noting that it was the first tournament for a number of players with the senior team
“For some, it was even first competitive matches for the national team but they played with confidence.”
The Likuena skipper said the team’s performances gave hope for the future, adding that, “going forward, we need to have more confidence on the ball, correct the mistakes we made and not lose games in the manner we did”.
“Goal scoring is another weakness that we need to improve on because we can only win games if we are scoring,” he said.
The veteran utility player said he was also disappointed to have missed out on the three games having had an impressive outing as team skipper away to Tanzania in last month last month’s opening 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Likuena picked up a valuable point in the 1-all stalemate.
“I’m very much disappointed to have missed all the (COSAFA) games.
It is disappointing and heart-breaking to sustain injuries ahead of crucial games and international tournaments. It worries me.”
Meanwhile, Likuena returned home on Saturday and will now shift focus to the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against the Comoros.
