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| Sepiriti Malefane |
The 2011 Caf Under-20 African Youth Championship over and Nigeria has claimed a record sixth title with an exciting 3-2 win over Cameroon the final. The win was sweet sweet revenge for the Flying Eagles after a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the group stage. Lesotho was also at the tournament though the Makoanyane XI couldn’t progress past the first round. Still, despite that, here are Lesotho’s for the tournament.
Players Ratings
Kananelo Makhooane – 6
It’s safe to say Makhooane had an erratic tournament. The Likhopo keeper did the difficult things well, saving a penalty against Mali and pulling off a stunning one-on-one save in the opener against Egypt, but he struggled with the basics. Unfortunately international football is judged by the harshest of standards and Makhooane was partially at fault for all but one of the goals Lesotho conceded at the tournament. His main problem was dealing with crosses and his handling. His shot-stopping though was for the most part excellent.
Salebone Lekhooa – 6
The diminutive right-back was shown up on the international stage. Lekhooa was committed as usual but at times he looked out of his depth, struggling in particular against Egypt in the opening game. He did show energy trying to get up and down his flank but he will need to polish up his game further still.
Basia Makepe – 9
Makepe was Lesotho’s best player by a mile. Stood up to be counted on the biggest stage and will have caught the eye of international scouts with his performances. Similar in style to Nemanja Vidic. He was strong in the tackle, good in the air and was rarely beaten one-on-one situations. His distribution was also calm and his covering was also exemplary.
Kopano Tseka – 6
Tseka was another who was at times found wanting at the tournament. In a positional sense he was often caught out and his distribution wasn’t what it was during the qualifying campaign during which Lesotho smacked beat South Africa, Mozambique and Kenya.
Jeremia Kamele – 7
Playing in a position that he maybe was not accustomed to, Kamele did better than was expected. Usually a winger for his club Joy Kamele produced solid if unspectacular showings at the tournament. He was unyielding and whole-hearted, and his pace allowed him to recover whenever he was caught out. Also had a good understanding with Joy teammate Makepe on the left-side of Lesotho’s defence. One of the side’s better performers.
Sepiriti Malefane – 6
Came in for the suspended Tšoanelo Koetle in the opening game against Egypt and did the best as could be expected. However Malefane faded as the tournament wore on and he wasn’t picked for the last match against Mali. Had an especially accomplished first half against Egypt both on the ball against and in a positional sense when Lesotho was not in possession. But he clearly tired in the second half as Egypt’s midfield thoroughly overran Lesotho.
Tšoanelo Koetle – 6
A disappointing tournament from a player which a lot was expected of. Koetle was suspended for the first game against Egypt and returned to play against South Africa and Mali. But the Matlama midfielder didn’t have a real impact and wasn’t the same commanding force of Lesotho’s qualifying campaign.
Thabiso Mohapi – 6
A quiet display overall. Was solid enough in front of the back four but couldn’t give Lesotho go forward ball. At times Mohapi was also over-excited in possession, trying the expansive pass rather than the simple ball.
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| Montoeli Sonopo |
Sonopo, who has been linked with a move to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, is obviously a wonderfully talented player but he still has to learn football is a team sport. At times Sonopo wanted to do too much on his own, shooting from when a pass was better option or dribbling himself into blind alleys. If he works on that flaw he has a very bright future.
Litšepe Marabe – 7
Had an extremely poor game against Egypt but came back and made a difference against South Africa when he came off the bench and coolly finished a penalty from the spot. He was without doubt Lesotho’s most confident player in the game against Mali and although he did try to be fancy in dangerous areas Marabe gets a ‘7’ because of his willingness to make things happens not only for himself but his teammates. A star in the making.
Tsebang Lebata – 6
Looked off colour and wasn’t the same penetrative player of Lesotho’s qualifying campaign during which he scored four goals. Maybe it’s because he was playing behind the striker and not on the right-wing as normal but Lebata seemed unsure of his bearings sometimes and was unable to influence the game. All in all he was unable to really show off his touch and pace.
Lehlomela Ramabele – 6
Ramabele was his usual hardworking self, but maybe he was too hardworking. He often felt the need to help out in midfield but this usually left Lesotho without a focal point upfront. He sometimes looked rather lightweight upfront and couldn’t hold up the ball. It would be harsh to criticise Ramabele though, he was forced to feed off scraps all tournament and gave his all. Another promising talent with plenty of work to do.
Mosiuoa Boseka – 7
Boseka will feel very aggrieved at the little opportunity he got to showcase his talents at the tournament. An outstanding prospect and the best ball player in the team, maybe Boseka was perhaps what was needed to give more penetrative, quality service from midfield. Scored the goal of the tournament in the 1-1 draw with Mozambique. Will hopefully take the form into Bantu’s title run-in.
Lekhanya Lekhanya – 7
Another who possibly wasn’t rewarded for his good club form in recent months. The Likhopo forward made a difference when he came onto the field and added more pace and power to Lesotho’s attack.
Mafa Moremoholo
Didn’t have the best of games against South Africa which was his only appearance at the tournament.
Lebajoa Mosehlanyane
Only had a few minutes of action during the Caf Under-20 African Youth Championship tournament and only had a few touches of the ball.
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