Koloti expected to be fit for Amajita showdown

Lesotho’s national Under-20 coaching staff says Roboama Koloti will be fit for Saturday’s decisive 2017 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

Koloti did not feature in the Makoanyane XI’s 0-0 practice game draw with Sundawana yesterday.

Roboama Koloti (left) is expected to be for Lesotho's vital U-20
qualifier against South Africa on Saturday

Koloti, who plays for Sundawana, also missed the first leg of Lesotho’s tie against South Africa’s Amajita two Sundays ago. The striker’s absence that day was felt as the visitors grabbed a commanding 2-0 first leg advantage and his non-appearance in yesterday’s friendly raised eyebrows.

However, the Makoanyane XI staff says Koloti missing yesterday’s game was just a precaution.

The squad left for South Africa today and Koloti travelled with the team with the expectation he will play in Saturday’s second leg. The clash will take place at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein and will kick off at 3pm. If the Makoanyane XI can overturn the two-goal deficit they will qualify for the continental finals set for Zambia next February and March.

To netball and the national Under-21 team leaves this evening for Botswana to take part in the Africa Youth World Cup qualifiers starting on Saturday. Lesotho begins its campaign on Sunday against one of the pre-tournament favourites, Malawi.

The team will then play seven matches until next week Saturday to see if they can book a place at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup.

Lesotho is one of eight countries hoping to join Botswana at next year’s global showdown. The others are Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe and only three will qualify.

Botswana has already qualified as hosts of the World Youth Cup in August 2017.