The four teams expected to take part in the tournament are the hosts Lesotho, Feyenoord from Ghana, South African side Supersport United and Botswana. Feyenoord’s superiority in the tactical department is tipped to give them an easy victory.
The Ghanaian side clinched the Easter tournament title, played at the Balfour Park in South Africa by beating Orlando Pirates 1-0 in a hard fought final.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport before their departure on Wednesday night, team captain Mpho Bokhutlo said, “though we might be inexperienced, we hope not to disappoint. Our coach has advised that the only team which might give us problems is the Ghanaian side.” The Form 2 student at Artesia CJSS said being in camp has helped them to have a better understanding of the game.
For his part team coach Kagiso “Gazza” Gabasiane said the main reason for taking the boys to Lesotho is to expose them to international standards of the game.
“But this does not mean we cannot win, especially since our boys look sharp. The 21-member team has been in camp in Artesia long before the schools closed on April 8 and played a friendly game against Cosmos Blizzards under 17 in Jwaneng.
The young boys managed to beat Blizzards 6-1. Gabasiane sang praises of the Mahalapye born right-winger Thapelo Danman.
“He is a talented youngster and will surely be a key member of our team,” said the coach. The team also boasts of other talented youngsters in the likes of Uyapo Seleka and Tienos Gumbo. Officials of the BFA gave the youngsters a motivational speech before their departure.
The team is expected back home on Monday.
