LEFA faces M2.2m bill for Zambia ties

MASERU – Likuena’s back-to-back matches against Zambia next month are set to cost the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) an estimated M2.2 million.

Likuena face Zambia in a pair of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with the first match away from home on March 23 and the return on March 26.

The staggering M2.2 million bill was revealed by LEFA secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi on Tuesday and it includes the cost of hiring the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto as a host venue for Likuena’s home tie.

According to Mohapi, LEFA shared the draft budget with the Ministry of Sport and Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) but the answer LEFA received was that the outlay is not in the government’s budget and the association will have to foot the bill.

The dates for both matches are yet to be confirmed.

However, the return leg in South Africa is likely to be on March 26 at 6pm depending on the broadcasting slot available.

If the date is confirmed, the match will fall on a Sunday.

The possible date means many people may not be able to travel to Soweto because they will still be waiting for their salaries and it is likely only a handful of Likuena fans will travel to the game if tickets are made available.

Although Lesotho has enjoyed a good spell in Soweto, including an impressive goalless draw against giants Ivory Coast last June in an AFCON qualifier, Likuena captain Basia Makepe admitted that not playing in front of their home crowd has been a challenge for the team.

However, Makepe said Likuena are motivated to get their qualifying campaign off the ground against Zambia.

Lesotho is in Group H alongside Comoros, Zambia and Ivory Coast who will host the 2023 AFCON to be played next January.

After two games, Likuena are bottom of the table with one point.

“We have been preparing well, (and) we are getting motivated,” Makepe said.

“When you look at the group we are in, we need a win in these back-to-back games against Zambia. It is a motivation on its own to work hard wherever we are,” he said.

Makepe, who starred for Lesotho at the 2011 CAF African Under-20 Championships, said the new crop of young players in the Likuena squad have been impressive and their presence in the national team shows they have been doing well in their respective clubs.

“There is no difference, it’s just that people don’t get into football at the same time. They are good players, even in the domestic league and for them to be here it shows that they want to be here,” Makepe said.

“They are playing well and they are getting their chances in the friendly games. If they continue to do well it will be a good thing for us.”

Tlalane Phahla