The national football team, Likuena, made a promising start to their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Malawi yesterday afternoon in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
LCS FC’s prolific striker, Makara Ntaitsane continued his fine form by scoring the winning goal late in the second half. The in-form forward, who topped the 2024/25 Vodacom Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals, proved decisive once again for his country.
Likuena are in Group B alongside Angola, Namibia, and Malawi, all competitive sides, though none considered among the tournament’s traditional powerhouses. This opening win gives Lesotho a valuable three points in a tightly contested group.
Combined with their impressive run to the 2023 COSAFA Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Zambia, this victory signals Lesotho’s intent to build on recent progress.
The current squad reflects a renewed focus on youth development and future potential.
Head coach Lesley Notši selected a youthful squad dominated by local league players, marking a shift from previous reliance on veterans. His approach signals a long-term strategy centered on energy, hunger, and local talent.
In last year’s tournament, Likuena were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third. Ahead of this year’s competition, Notši acknowledged the challenge of limited preparation time following the conclusion of the domestic season.
However, he expressed confidence in the squad’s abilities, especially given the players’ performances for their clubs.
“Our goal is to end the trend of having the same players represent the country in all competitions, whether it is COSAFA, AFCON qualifiers, or World Cup qualifiers,” Notši said.
He emphasised the team’s ambition to advance to the knockout stages and praised the positive spirit and determination of the players, noting the presence of experienced individuals to guide the younger members.
Team captain Tšepo Toloane echoed the coach’s sentiments, commending the assembled squad as talented and capable of delivering results. He noted that previous failures to qualify were often due to dropping crucial points, a trend they aim to reverse this year.
“Competing in international tournaments is vital as it gives players exposure and the opportunity to be scouted globally. Already, a few of our players have been recruited by international clubs,” said Toloane.
He added that the current energy in the squad bodes well for the campaign, highlighting the leadership’s role in aligning with LeFA’s strategy to sustain the under-23 structure.
Toloane further pointed out the challenge of transitioning players from under-20 to senior level, a gap he believes is slowly being addressed through improved coaching and structures across both men’s and women’s football.
“The talent is there, now it’s about harnessing it,” he said, adding that they are working to end the trend of clubs registering teams without qualified coaches involved in player development.
Likuena’s next group fixture is against Angola on June 8, followed by their final group match against Namibia on June 10, 2025.
Likuena’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Nthebe Majoro and Leluma Mofoka
Defenders: Mosoeu Seahlolo, Molengo Morao, Mohlomi Makhetha, Thabo Makhele, Thabang Malane, Mphale Mphalaole, Thato Sefoli, Fusi Matlabe, and Leluma Posholi
Midfielders: Lehlohonolo Matsau, Mokoteli Mohapi, Teboho Letsema, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Tumelo Makha, Tholang Makuru, Paseka Maile, and Limpho Ralesupi
Forwards: Tsepo Toloane, Kananelo Rapuleng, Khaketla Matamane, Teboho Masuoane, and Makara Ntaitsane
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
