The national football team, Likuena, has kicked off preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a new head coach.
As the search for a substantive coach drags on, the Lesotho Football Association’s (LeFA) technical department, led by technical director Caswell Moru, has named a provisional 20-man squad to begin preparations for the preliminary round clash against Seychelles.
Lesotho will face Seychelles in a two-legged tie as part of the preliminary phase of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers for the tournament to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Twelve lower-ranked teams are competing at this stage for a place in the group phase.
The encounter will see Lesotho and Seychelles contest an all-Southern African showdown, with the first leg to be played away before Likuena host the return fixture between March 25 and 31. The winner will advance to the group stage of the qualifiers.
The squad reported to camp on Monday for medical assessments before resuming training sessions yesterday under an interim technical team led by former LeFA technical director LehlohonoloThotanyana.
He is being assisted by Tšepo Hlojeng, ShokhoeMatsoai and MosaMoseneke. LeFA has indicated that the interim arrangement will lapse immediately once a new head coach officially takes charge.
The provisional squad features the return of MonahengRamalefane, TšoaneloKoetle and Itumeleng Falene, although LeFA has stressed that the incoming head coach will have the authority to make changes.
Veteran forward Jane Thabantšo has also been included, despite previously submitting a letter to LeFA expressing his intention to retire from international football. Now in the twilight of his career, Thabantšo remains one of Likuena’s most experienced campaigners, having served the national team for more than a decade. His inclusion is expected to bring leadership and continuity to the youthful squad.
Meanwhile, Likuena will continue to host their home matches in South Africa, as Setsoto Stadium is yet to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements. The stadium was banned by CAF and FIFA in 2021 due to dilapidated infrastructure. Although artificial turf has since been installed and renovations are ongoing, several facilities still fall short of international standards. Government has also announced plans to expand the stadium’s capacity, with Setsoto expected to reopen for domestic competitions.
With the Seychelles encounter fast approaching, pressure is mounting on LeFA to conclude the coaching recruitment process to ensure adequate preparation for the crucial qualifiers.
LeFA has confirmed that interviews were conducted with both local and international candidates, but no appointment has been announced despite earlier indications that a coach would be in place by February. However, the association has dismissed claims that the process has stalled.
LeFA’s media officer MikiaKalati said the recruitment exercise is still ongoing.
“The process is not over. I have seen the reports circulating on social media, but when it is complete the association will make an announcement,” Kalati said.
Provisional Likuena Squad:
Goalkeepers: LelumaMofoka (Matlama), TankisoChaba (LCS), MonahengRamalefane (Lijabatho).
Defenders: TšoaneloKoetle, FusiMatlabe (both Lioli), Itumeleng Falene (Bantu), TlotlisoMapola (Majantja), Mohlomi Makhetha (Lijabatho), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama).
Midfielders: Lebusetsa Mofokeng, Tšepang Sefali (both Linare), Thabo Lesaoana, KaneloRapuleng (both Bantu), LehlohonoloMatsau (LDF), TholangMakuru (Lioli), TlotlisoPhatsisi (Lijabatho).
Forwards: Jane Thabantšo (Lijabatho), Tšeliso Botsane (Bantu), KatlehoMakateng (LDF).
Summary
- The national football team, Likuena, has kicked off preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a new head coach.
- As the search for a substantive coach drags on, the Lesotho Football Association’s (LeFA) technical department, led by technical director Caswell Moru, has named a provisional 20-man squad to begin preparations for the preliminary round clash against Seychelles.
- Lesotho will face Seychelles in a two-legged tie as part of the preliminary phase of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers for the tournament to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
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.
