The EC invitation team coach Nkululeko Sitywantsi said although he was aware that they are going to face a national team which has build a good reputation, representing Lesotho at the continental level, they are going to do everything to win.

"We are not scared as we have also assembled a formidable side that boasts five players playing in the South African Football Association (SAFA) Vodacom league," he said, mentioning such players as Ronaldo Snyman and Vusile Mayo who, he maintained, could cause problems for the host team.

All of his players would be playing an international friendly for the first time, though the match would give them exposure and a challenge. The players were selected from three SAFA regions including as Eastern Cape, Border and Transkei, Sitywantsi said.

Makoanyane XI coach Seepheephe 'Mochine' Matete, on the other hand, said they are going to take the game easily and would not put pressure on their players to win the match. He he had not had enough time to scout for new players to take part in the tournament but hoped that they would give good account of themselves.

The 150-strong provincial team is in the country to take part in several sporting disciplines including moraba-raba, table tennis, women's and men's soccer, netball and boxing.

31 March 2005