Mikia Kalati
LIKUENA coach, Moses Maliehe, says his side has to work hard if they are to come back with a positive result from their clash with Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
The two countries face off in back-to-back Group L matches starting in Kampala on Saturday while Lesotho hosts the return leg at Setsoto Stadium three days later.
Uganda tops the group with four points while Likuena are second with two points.
Maliehe said his side has to be cautious against the Ugandan side that is usually tough in its backyard.
“We have to go there and work very hard to come back with positive results against Uganda because they have a good side,” Maliehe said.
“The fact that they are leading the group and are undefeated means that they are a good side but we have to go there and fight for the points.”
The Likuena mentor revealed that some of his players like Kopano Tseka and Hlompho Kalake suffered minor injuries in their respective club matches.
On the positive side, however, foreign based players such as Tshwarelo Bereng, Luciano Matsoso, Nkoto Masoabi and Tumelo Khutlang had all reported for camp by Monday.
Masoabi and Khutlang both played for Black Leopards and Real Kings respectively in South Africa over the weekend.
“We have concerns overs some of the players with minor injuries after a busy schedule at club level but they will be closely monitored by the medical team.
“All our foreign based players have arrived which is good for our preparations. Khutlang was the last to arrive on Monday but they are all in good condition for the game.
“We know that we are facing a tough test in Uganda and this is why we have included Thapelo Tale because his speed and power will be handy when we play against physical sides.
“He gives us options and I’m sure he will help the likes of Khutlang play to the best of their abilities. He also has the experience when it comes to this kind of games,” he said.
Maliehe said he does not intend to be defensive in Uganda as it may work against them but said they would be cautious in their approach since they will be playing away from home.
“I do not think that we have to be defensive in our approach. We are going there to win the match but we have to be smart about it as the away side.
“We are going there to win the match as much as we know that Uganda is a good side but we will give them a run for their money.
“We started well in the two games that we have played so far and we fancy our chances of qualifying for the competition. This means that we have to do well in the two upcoming games against Uganda,” Maliehe said.
Likuena leave the country today but will be without the services of suspended Bokang Sello.
Likuena squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Ketsekile, Likano Mphuthi, Mohau Kuenane.
Defenders: Kopano Tseka, Mafa Moremoholo, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe, Jane Thaba-ntso.
Midfielders: Tshwarelo Bereng, Tsepo Toloane, Tsotleho Jane, Hlompho Kalake, Mabuti Potloane, Setho Moshoeshoe, Tumelo Khutlang, Luciano Matsoso.
Strikers: Thapelo Tale, Motebang Sera, Nkoto Masoabi.
