New look Likuena to start training by January 19 |
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A revamped, new looking senior national side including three new players, strikers Lire Phiri and Thulo Ranchobe from the current log leaders Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), and Swallows reliable defender Ts'eliso Khali, is expected to commence training at Bambatha Ts'ita sports arena on January 19. The cooption of the three players is part of Likuena's preparations for the regional Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Castle Cup tie against Botswana at home on February 29. In an interview, head coach Mafa Ramakau said the trio are expected to join the camp to boost the team in its revenge seeking mission against Botswana after the latter bundled them out of the African Cup of Nations (ACN) and World Cup qualifying rounds. "Ribbo" Ramakau said they were still bitter about the thrashing inflicted on them by the Zebras and were ready to show Botswana an early exist in the COSAFA first round tournament. Phiri has recovered in time from an injury that sidelined him for the better part of last season, whilst Ranchobe is doing well for the army team. Former Makoanyane XI defender Khali is improving with each game, the national coach said. "With the trio in the team, Botswana is likely to pay heavily for what they did to us," he said. The coach
said as part of preparations, he intends to challenge the likes of
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Angola as well as Swaziland
home and away depending on each team's preferences. Likuena
reached the COSAFA Castle Cup finals in 2000 where they lost to Zimbabwe in
the competition which started in 1997. Last year, the locals were eliminated
in the first round by Mozambique through a penalty shoot out after a
goalless draw in Maputo. |
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| SOURCE: LENA |