Maseru — Former Tottenham Hotspur, Gary Mabbutt is to be a guest of honour in Likoena's COSAFA quarter-final match against Zambia's Chipolopolo on June 24. Mopheme has learned.

Mabbutt, who played in Tottenham's UEFA cup win over Anderlecht and captained the side to an FA cup triumph over Nottingham Forest in 1991, has his visit coinciding with the referees' course run by instructors from England.

As an 18 year-old at Bristol Rovers, Mabbut was diagnosed with diabetes but went on to win 16 caps for England. In 1993 John Fashanu's elbow smashed Mabbut's cheekbone and eye socket. He made a fast recovery and won back his place in the side at the age of 36. A fragmented knee cap forced him to retire in 1999 after 618 games and 36 goals.

Mabutt's presence at Lesotho COSAFA Castle Cup crunch quarter-final match against Zambia, could serve as a source of motivation for the Likoena players who still dream of plying their trade beyond African shores.

The good will visit is timed to coincide with referees course being run by coaches from England from June 16 to June 26. The training is being provided as part of the UK's assistance to Lesotho under the UEFA Meridian project. The English referees will also visit SOS Children's Village and the Maseru Children's Village during their visit to Lesotho.

It is hoped that the former skipper of the London outfit who captained the side for 11 years and has 16 full England caps, will meet Likoena players before Sunday's mouth-watering clash which expected to be a thriller as both sides hope to make it to the finals again.

Despite feud, corruption allegations and alleged misappropriation in the Lesotho Football Association (LeF.A) the country is enjoying friendly ties with the English FA. The FA has also supplied LeF.A with referees' equipment. It includes referees kit, flags for the assistant referees, cards and whistles.

According to the LeF.A administrative secretariat, it is the first time the English FA supply Lesotho with referees' equipment. LeF.A's administrative secretary, Sello Lesita said it would be 20 participants for each course.

Born 23 August 1961 in Bristol began his career with Bristol Rovers, making 147 appearances in his five years with the club. He was transferred to Totteham Hotspur F.C in 1982, the club with which he became so synonymous, playing 600 games and scoring 36 goals in his 16 years with the club.

He won a UEFA Cup winners medal in 1984 and a FA Cup winners medal in 1991. He was awarded M.B.E from the Queen in 1994 for his services to the English Football.