MAKOANYANE XI TO TAKE PART IN COSAFA U-20 TOURNEY

Lesotho's under 20 national team Makoanyane XI will feature in one-week Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) U-20 tournament to be staged in Johannesburg, South Africa, starting on November 27,2002. In an interview, the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Boniface "Mirror" Mokalanyane said the team's coach Mr. Lehlohonolo Thotanyana has already made a proposal programme leading to the tournament.

Mr. Mokalanyane said LEFA executive committee would meet on Tuesday to approve the proposal, adding that the assembling of the players; number of friendlies to be played would be decided at that meeting. The CEO pointed out that the association would need money for preparation purposes of the team only while other expenses, which include accommodation and the organizers - COSAFA, would cover meals.

"They (COSAFA) stated that they would only accommodate a team of 20 players and seven officials, saying the team would only be catered for since November 25 and not before," he stressed. COSAFA U-20 tournament is an annual event held in South Africa with the purpose of promoting soccer in the region. Makoanyane XI have only managed to reach the semi final stage of the competition in 2000. All COSAFA member countries are expected to participate in this annual event.

17 September,2002