Likuena defender Mafa Moremoholo
Mikia Kalati
NATIONAL team defender, Mafa Moremoholo says captaining Likuena for the first time in a competitive match in Saturday’s 5-4 win over Namibia in the COSAFA Cup is a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.
The Lioli defender was appointed Likuena vice-captain in May but he had to stand in for injured captain, Bokang Mothoana in the Namibia clash.
He said beating the 2015 COSAFA champions made the experience even sweeter.
“It was the best feeling in the world captaining the senior national team for the first time in a competitive match,” Moremoholo said.
“It says a lot about my football career. I thank my teammates for the hard work to make it a memorable experience with that win over Namibia.”
The full-back also expressed his delight with his contribution after he scored the last penalty that enabled Likuena to advance to the semi-finals.
“Everyone felt great after beating Namibia because we really needed that victory.”
Asked about the recent change of fortunes for the national team that has seen Likuena unbeaten in their last four matches, Moremoholo said “it has to do with how the coach (Moses Maliehe manages the team”.
“He motivates and believes in his players. The players respond to that and they also believe in their abilities.
“We are playing with confidence and believe in our abilities as players.”
Moremoholo also said Likuena had a good chance of ending the long wait to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.
The team began their continental qualifiers with 1-all draw away to Tanzania and they are in a group that also includes Cape Verde and Uganda.
“I have seen the players work, I have seen their dedication and I think we have a good chance if we maintain the same standards we showed in our opening game against Tanzania.”
Moremoholo, whose work rate is always impressive for club and country said he derived inspiration from his father.
“My father always says, ‘God gave you the talent and there is nothing you can give back to Him better than showing your appreciation for the gift of life by making full use of it’.
“In the past, people gave offerings to thank God for their blessings and using the talent he gave me to full use is the only way to thank Him because He wants people to make use of their talents.
“So every time I leave my home, my father says, ‘go out and represent the Moremoholos in the best way you can’ and that is why I always give my best,” Moremoholo said.
