Mikia Kalati
The Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) is set to give M140 000 to the national team (Likuena), and under-20 (Makoanyane XI) side this weekend to motivate the players ahead of their respective African qualifiers.
The money is expected to be handed out to the two teams this Sunday, according to the Lefa Public Relations Officer, Thabo Maretlane.
Makoanyane XI have beaten Swaziland and Angola in the first and second round of the 2015 African Youth Championship qualifiers respectively, and face Nigeria in August in the last fixture of the campaign.
Likuena, on the other hand, beat Liberia in the first round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers and next month meet Kenya in the final round, with a win taking them to the group stage of the showcase.
According to Maretlane, the money is not the teams’ regular camping allowances but a token of appreciation for their performance so far and also a way to motivate the players before the crucial matches against Nigeria and Kenya.
“This money is not for the regular allowances that are given to the players when they are in camp; it is just a way of motivating the teams because we know the importance of their upcoming matches that could see them qualify for these two major continental competitions,” Maretlane said.
“It is very important for us, as a country, to qualify for the two competitions that will be played in Senegal (under-20s) and Morocco (Afcon). And the money is just a way of uplifting the spirits of the players before the crucial matches.”
However, Lefa secretary general, Mokhosi Mohapi, said the association was yet to decide on how the money would be shared among the players.
“It is true we have that package for the two teams. However, we are yet to decide how the money is going to be shared among the players, but the disbursement could possibly be this coming Sunday,” Mohapi said.
On his part, Makoanyane XI coach, Moses Maliehe, hailed Lefa’s initiative, which he said would encourage the team to continue doing well.
“It is a good way to motivate the players and I believe it will play a big role in preparing our players for the big task awaiting us, as Nigeria are one of Africa’s football powers,” Maliehe said.
“That is why we are continuing with our preparations and will play friendlies against South Africa and Malawi before our first-leg tie with Nigeria.
“So far, we have played friendlies against South African First Division side, Maluti FET College and won both matches.
“I’m very excited with the progress of this team, especially the ability to win matches. We have continued to play against physical and big players to prepare the boys for the battle against Nigeria,” said Maliehe, who also noted inspirational captain, Teboho Lekhoana, had fully recovered from injury and played in the friendly matches against Maluti FET.
Meanwhile, Maretlane said Likuena would play Malawi and Tanzania in friendlies before their big fixture against Kenya.
“Likuena play Botswana on 11 July, and then clash with Tanzania two days later.
Both friendly matches will take place in Gaborone,” Maretlane said.
