The senior national football team coach Bob Mafoso has named a largely unchanged provisional squad, signalling a cautious start to his tenure with Lesotho national football team.
In his first squad since his February 2026 appointment, Mafoso has leaned heavily on the core group that featured prominently under his predecessor Leslie Notsi, favouring continuity over sweeping changes.
The squad, unveiled in Maseru this week, shows minimal deviation from recent selections, with most of the established players retaining their places despite expectations of a shake-up following the change in technical leadership.
Addressing journalists in Maseru this week, Mafoso expressed satisfaction with preparations, which have been underway for the past three weeks, as they gear up for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round fixtures against Seychelles national football team.
Likuena will face Seychelles in a two-legged encounter scheduled for March 26 and 29 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
“The majority of players have been performing well for their respective clubs, and we have been fortunate to avoid injuries so far,” Mafoso said.
The composition of the squad suggests a deliberate decision to maintain stability, with only a handful of less familiar names included alongside a dominant contingent of regular call-ups.
The defensive and midfield departments, in particular, remain largely intact, reflecting trust in combinations that have been used in recent international assignments.
The coach has primarily been working with locally based players, with only Thabang Malane, the sole international call-up so far, expected to join camp this week. Other foreign-based players are set to arrive following their club commitments over the weekend.
Mafoso also indicated that the technical team has done extensive analysis of Seychelles based on their previous AFCON qualifying matches and COSAFA Cup performances.
“We have gathered sufficient information on their previous games. We are now waiting to assess their final squad selection and compare it with our analysis,” he said.
He noted that Seychelles had fielded varied line-ups toward the end of their AFCON qualifying campaign, particularly after their chances of qualification had diminished.
While a few new or fringe players have been drafted into the provisional list, their inclusion does little to alter the overall outlook of the squad, which remains largely familiar to local football followers.
The spine of the team from defence, midfield and attack continues to mirror that of recent squads, underlining Mafoso’s reluctance to overhaul the team ahead of a crucial assignment.
The provisional squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, LelumaMofoka, MonahengRamalefane, TankisoChaba.
Defenders: Thabo Mafatle, KatlehoKoaeana, Mofokeng Lebusetsa, FusiMatlabe, Itumeleng Falene, Thabang Malane, Thabo Makhele, Rethabile Mokokoane.
Midfielders: Tšepang Sefali, TholangMakuru, LimphoRalesupi, LehlohonoloFothoane, LehlohonoloMatsau, TlotlisoPhatsisi, Teboho Letsema, Neo Mokhachane, Mpho Teele, KatlehoRapuleng, Thabo Matšoele, Tšepo Toloane, LebohangLesako.
Forwards: Jane Thabantšo, KatlehoMakateng, Motebang Sera.
Meanwhile, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, has announced a combined M300,000 incentive for Likuena.
The announcement was made by LeFA President LijaneNthunya during a press conference held at BambathaTšita Sports Arena. He was joined by Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) President Baba Malephane. The initiative is aimed at boosting morale within the national squad ahead of the decisive fixtures.
Nthunya revealed that the incentive package is a joint effort, with the government contributing M150,000 through the Ministry, while LeFA will match the amount from its own resources.
“We approached the Ministry with the support of the LSRC, and we are proud to inform the football fraternity that they have committed M150,000. As LeFA, we will also contribute M150,000 to make it a total of M300,000 as an incentive for Likuena to beat Seychelles,” said Nthunya.
He stressed the importance of the upcoming matches, expressing concern that Lesotho should not be competing at the preliminary stage of major continental tournaments.
“Likuena should not be playing in the preliminary qualifiers of any competition. The team must win this tie by hook or crook,” he said.
Nthunya added that the M300,000 is a minimum incentive, with further contributions possible if ongoing requests to corporate sponsors are successful.
“We have made requests to companies, and while we have not yet received responses, any additional support will be added on top of this amount,” he noted.
Summary
- The squad, unveiled in Maseru this week, shows minimal deviation from recent selections, with most of the established players retaining their places despite expectations of a shake-up following the change in technical leadership.
- The composition of the squad suggests a deliberate decision to maintain stability, with only a handful of less familiar names included alongside a dominant contingent of regular call-ups.
- The spine of the team from defence, midfield and attack continues to mirror that of recent squads, underlining Mafoso’s reluctance to overhaul the team ahead of a crucial assignment.
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.
