LIOLI coach Halemakale Mahlaha is unfazed by the prospect of facing Zimbabwe opponents Caps United as he believes his side has better experience at the Champions League stage compared to the current crop of Makepekepe.

The Basotho football kings have played as recent as 2014 and 2015 compared to the Zimbabweans who last featured in the continent's premier club football tournament 11 years ago.

Lioli, who have been improving their games over the years and they are looking to win the first leg of their preliminary round tie at home.

The match kicks off 4pm Saturday at Sesotho Stadium.

Mahlaha told the local media that he is confident the experience of his "star-studded" side will work to their advantage after three of their national team players who had been blacklisted by the country's football association during the week were cleared.

“Most of our players are used to such situations and playing international football so I think that will work to our advantage.

“Looking at the quality of the team and the commitment I have seen this week, I think we have a good chance of winning.

“We have also been working on our finishing because getting a few goals in the home match will be very important.

“It is equally important that we do not concede in our backyard," said Mahlala. The hosts have an added advantage is that their season is currently at its peak while the visitors are playing their first competitive game of the year.

The Lioli preparations were however, affected by differences with the Lesotho Football Association. This was after LeFA had indicated that they would not bankroll the participation of three Lioli players Kopano Tseka, Tsepo Lekhooana and Tsepo Seturumane as punishment for the trio’s decision to turn down call-ups to the senior national Likuena side in December 2016.

But Mahlaha insists the issue will not affect his team’s performance come Saturday.

“Yes, I’m a bit worried, indeed this will be a different game to what we are used to in the domestic league, but the experience in our squad will be very vital in this situation,” said Mahlala.
 
Probably the main worry for the hosts are the injury concerns to key players Motlalepula Mofolo, Seturumane and Shetsane Ramoseka who missed the 3-0 win over Likhopo last Sunday in a cup game that Bokang Sello also limped out.