Likuena head coach Bob Mafoso has sent a clear message to every footballer in Lesotho that form and effort, not reputation, will decide who wears the national colours.
The coach’s philosophy was put into practice this week with the naming of a 25-man provisional squad for Lesotho’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Niger and Morocco, headlined by the surprise inclusion of two uncapped domestic players.
Matlama forward Molefi Kulehile and Bantu attacking prospect Bakuena Ramakatsa have earned their first national team call-ups despite being overlooked for the initial 45-man training camp held three months ago, proof, Mafoso says, that no door is permanently closed to a player who is performing.
“The door is open for every Mosotho who performs,” Mafoso said.
“Sometimes it is difficult because we cannot call every player. We called the team and when the league started others performed better and that’s why we picked them.”
He explained that the earlier pre-season selection had simply reflected the information available at the time, based on the previous campaign, and was never meant to be the final word on who could make the squad.
“The league has helped by starting sooner because when we selected the pre-season camp it was based on last season.”
Ramakatsa’s rise has been the clearest illustration yet of Mafoso’s open-door approach, with the coach praising the youngster for forcing his way into contention within weeks of the season starting.
“There are new players who have put their hands, for example Bakuena Ramakatsa. Nobody knew he would be playing in our league a week before it started and when he played, he proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he is a player that needs to be given an opportunity,” Mafoso said.
The provisional squad blends this emerging domestic talent with experienced players based both locally and abroad, reinforcing the coach’s insistence that places are earned rather than guaranteed.
Only 23 players will eventually travel for the two qualifiers, with Mafoso confirming that a final assessment will be conducted before the squad is trimmed. A three-way battle is currently underway for the final place, while several players remain under assessment because of injuries.
Mafoso has ruled out taking risks with injured players, with Bantu’s Kananelo Rapuleng, LDF pair Katleho Makateng and Lehlohonolo Matsau, Majantja’s Limpho Ralesupi and LMPS’s Thabo Matšoele among those unavailable due to injuries.
Likuena will begin their qualifying campaign away to Niger on September 25. The match will be played in Accra, Ghana, after Niger was unable to use an approved home stadium, an arrangement that means the West Africans will not enjoy conventional home advantage, giving Lesotho an opportunity to prepare in similar conditions.
Likuena will then face regional giants Morocco four days later, on September 29, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Mafoso said the team’s preparations have progressed well, with two acclimatisation sessions planned in Ghana ahead of the Niger encounter.
He also expressed satisfaction with the work done during the July pre-season camp and subsequent non-residential camps, though the physical condition of players remained a challenge across Lesotho’s domestic football.
“We had several tests, and we can safely say we are happy with the team… most of the training was loading the players on physical attributes, so the final preparations now will be specific on how we are planning to tackle the two matches,” he said.
The early start of the domestic Premier League season has also worked in the national team’s favour, giving players competitive matches and improving their match fitness — another factor Mafoso credits for widening the pool of in-form players available to him.
Goalkeeper Mosoeu Seahlolo has retained his place in the squad despite making only two club appearances this season, following his participation in the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) training programme.
Mafoso said the technical team closely monitored six potential international players who underwent the military training to determine whether the demanding programme had affected or improved their footballing condition.
“There are about six players we would have liked to assess who were at the LDF training. These are players who were playing at their teams before and had potential to play for Likuena.”
“We knew they would be available for selection this season and we called them into camp. It was to be sure if LDF training left them behind or improved them.” he said.
True to his philosophy that current form should never be penalised, Mafoso said players who had benefited from the programme deserved their place in contention.
“If it improved them, we should not leave them behind. I can say I do not believe they are behind a lot because even at their clubs they are playing even if it’s not all of them.”
The technical team has also undergone changes ahead of the qualifiers. Matlama head coach Thabile Secker has joined the Likuena backroom staff as an assistant coach, while legendary goalkeeper coach Liteboho Mokhesi has replaced Shokhoe Matsoai, who stepped down for personal reasons.
Mafoso said the mix of youth and experience in the provisional squad was deliberate, once again stressing that performance, not profile, remained the deciding factor behind selection. The final 23-man travelling squad will be confirmed once the technical team completes its assessment of the players, particularly those carrying injuries.
Likuena provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Leluma Mofoka, Mosoeu Seahlolo
Defenders: Itumeleng Falene, Tlotliso Mapola, Thabang Malane, Katleho Koaeana, Thabo Makhele, Rethabile Mokokoane, Koketso Kherejane, Thabo Mafatle, Mohlomi Makhetha, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Fusi Matlabe
Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Tšepo Toloane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane
Forwards: Bakuena Ramakatsa, Neo Mokhachane, Tholang Makuru, Tšepang Sefali, Motebang Sera, Molefi Kulehile, Teboho Letsema
Summary
- He explained that the earlier pre-season selection had simply reflected the information available at the time, based on the previous campaign, and was never meant to be the final word on who could make the squad.
- Nobody knew he would be playing in our league a week before it started and when he played, he proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he is a player that needs to be given an opportunity,” Mafoso said.
- “We had several tests, and we can safely say we are happy with the team… most of the training was loading the players on physical attributes, so the final preparations now will be specific on how we are planning to tackle the two matches,” he said.
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.
