GROWING up in Machoaboleng, Ha ’Makhoroana on the outskirts of Berea, Kopano Tseka had a dream to become a professional footballer.

But it never occurred to him that his dream would take him across the continent to take on some of the finest footballers to have graced the beautiful game in Africa.

“To be honest with you, I never thought I would don the national team jersey based on where I come from, but all has been possible through God’s grace. He makes our dreams come true,” Tseka says.

Before becoming a household name in Lesotho football and winning over 40 caps for his country, Tseka’s football journey began in his home village, playing for his childhood team, Hunters FC.

“I started playing in my home village for Hunters FC, but my first team in the elite leagues was Mphatlalatsane FC, which I later left to join Lioli,” the defender explains.

He won several trophies with Tse Nala including the league title, the Independence Cup as well as the LNIG Top 8.

“My elder brother Kalaela, who also played football and is now a coach, is my role model because he is very passionate about the game as well. He is always pushing me to be a better player.”

The lanky defender, whose accolades include helping the Lesotho National Under-20 side, Makoanyane XI qualify for the African Youth Championship in 2011, where he came up against Egypt superstar, Mohamed Salah, says he will always be grateful to the late former national Under-17 coach, Matita Lemao, for spotting his talents while playing for Mapoteng High School.

“I was spotted by the late Ntate Lemao to play for the national Under-17 team, (may his soul continue to rest in peace). He saw me playing for Mapoteng High School during a schools tournament and he selected me for the Vision 2020 squad. That where it all began for me with the national teams. After the Under-17, it was the Under-20 and I then graduated to the senior team-Likuena,” the defender recalls.

The Makoanyane XI side that was coached by current LeFA Technical Director, Leslie Notsi, qualified for the junior tournament after eliminating Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya.

South Africa however, managed to get their way back into the tournament replacing war torn Libya, as the new hosts of the tournament to eventually get their revenge after the two countries were drawn together in the group stage. Makoanyane XI exited the tournament in the group stage with losses to their neighbouring country and Egypt, but managed to get a point against Mali in the last game.

“I still remember that game against the Egypt Under-20 that had Salah, where they won 2-0 with the Liverpool striker scoring the second goal from the penalty spot. Their coach was very impressed with how we gave them a run for their money and I still believe that if we had agent here at home, most of us in that team would have ended up playing in big leagues like them.”

Tseka, who has been playing topflight football for over a decade now, attributes his longevity to good discipline and his passion for the game.