The national rugby team, affectionately known as Likatola, recently registered their first official international victory after storming to a dominant 37–12 triumph over Eswatini’s Sizeze in the BOLESWA Tri-Nations Cup.
The match, held at Mejametalana Airwing base in Maseru, marked Lesotho’s maiden win since being officially recognised by World Rugby, a historic milestone that makes the victory even more significant for the country’s fast-growing rugby scene.
The fixture was part of the BOLESWA Tri-Nations Cup, a regional tournament launched in Botswana last year to strengthen rugby ties between Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
However, this year’s edition saw only two of the three nations participate, following Botswana’s withdrawal, a development that did little to dampen the energy on the pitch or in the stands.
An impressive crowd of Basotho supporters, clad in blue and white, filled the venue, a clear sign of rugby’s growing popularity in Lesotho.
From the opening moments, Likatola displayed sharp focus and high intensity, dominating both possession and territory. Their relentless pressure overwhelmed Eswatini’s defence, and by halftime, the hosts held a commanding 27–0 lead in what was shaping up to be a perfect start to life as an officially recognised rugby nation.
Eswatini’s Sizeze came out stronger in the second half, showing admirable resilience. They tightened their defence and clawed back two well-earned tries, but Lesotho remained in control, closing out the match with discipline and flair to seal a convincing 37–12 maiden victory.
In a post-match interview, Likatola’s head coach Khauhelo Raphepheng was pleased with the team’s performance but remained grounded in his assessment.
“This was my first official match as head coach of the national team. My primary goal was not necessarily the scoreline it was about preparing the players and implementing a new playing style,” said Raphepheng.
He noted that the team had initially prepared for Botswana, and had to quickly adapt when the format changed. He credited his players for their form and adaptability, highlighting that selection was purely based on performance, a sign of a maturing talent pool in the country.
However, Raphepheng also pointed to ongoing challenges with coordination between the national federation and local clubs.
“I have already raised these issues with the leadership. We need better collaboration to move forward and ensure consistent growth.”
Eswatini’s captain Mcondisi Shongwe was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the strength and momentum of the home side.
“We knew coming to Lesotho we would face a strong side. They played smart rugby and capitalised early. When they score first, they are very difficult to stop,” he said.
Despite the loss, he applauded the warm hospitality and called for continued efforts to strengthen rugby ties across the BOLESWA region, praising Lesotho’s recent admission to World Rugby as a positive step for the region.
With this maiden victory, Likatola earn valuable points in the African Rugby Rankings, and further establish themselves as a rising force in regional rugby. The next edition of the BOLESWA Cup is set for Eswatini in 2026, where hopes are high that Botswana will return to complete the tri-nation rivalry.
Summary
- the Lesotho national rugby team, affectionately known as Likatola, stormed to a dominant 37 – 12 victory over Eswatini’s Sizeze in the Battle of the Kingdoms clash on Saturday.
- Despite the loss, he applauded the warm hospitality and called for continued efforts to strengthen rugby ties across the BOLESWA region, praising Lesotho’s recent admission to World Rugby as a positive step for the region.
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.
