Lesotho's under 17 national soccer squad, Bahlabani, on Monday 18 November,2002 started sharpening their spears in preparation for their second round encounter of the African Junior championships against neighbours South Africa on December 22 at home. In an interview, the Bahlabani Team Manager Mr. Thabo Pule said his charges started training sessions at the Bambatha Ts'ita sports arena with the initial squad of 16 players.

Mr. Pule said most of his players have finished writing their examinations, saying this has made things easy for the squad to assemble unlike before when assembling the team was made impossible by examinations. He said though their South African counterparts started well in time to prepare for the tournament, they are banking on the talent and skill the team has to overcome their opponents. "We boast a very skilful and talented side this country can be proud of and though South Africa had enough time to get ready for the encounter, we are going to show them the kind of skill and talent we have in the team," he boasted.

He stated that Bahlabani is the team that the country has to look up for in the future of soccer, as the players are still young, energetic and willing to learn. Mr. Pule, however pointed out that Makoanyane XI have taken most of their players who will feature in the forthcoming VodaCom Confederation of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) junior championships to be staged in Johannesburg, South Africa starting in November. He mentioned that these eight players are going to get enough exposure,
saying they are likely to boost the rest of the team with their vast experience they would have acquired during the competition.

The Team Manager hoped to organize some international friendly matches before meeting South Africa. Overall winners of the two countries after the two legs, would proceed to the African Junior championships finals to be hosted by Swaziland next year.

19 November,2002