The senior men’s national rugby team, Likatola, are targeting a historic first victory over Botswana as they prepare for the 2026 BOLESWA Tri-Nations Tournament in eSwatini.
The team received a ceremonial send-off at the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) on Wednesday, October 21, ahead of the regional competition, which runs from October 24 to 31.
Sanctioned by Rugby Africa, the tournament will feature Lesotho, hosts eSwatini and Botswana, with Likatola opening their campaign against the hosts on October 24 before facing Botswana on October 28.
Coach Khauhelo Raphepeng has set his sights on winning the tournament and ending Botswana’s dominance over Lesotho, as he continues to build a competitive national side.
“For me, it is always about winning the tournament. We will be out to win. We have never beaten Botswana, so this time we will be hoping to end their dominance and record our first win, as that is part of our mandate. Should we be successful, that will be a huge achievement,” Raphepeng said.
Lesotho last faced Botswana in an international friendly in September 2024, suffering a 37-15 defeat away from home.
The upcoming tournament presents Raphepeng with another opportunity to assess his squad and measure the team’s progress since his appointment in March 2025.
However, the coach acknowledged that limited competitive game time remains a major obstacle to the team’s development, alongside efforts to establish a distinct playing identity.
“On top of that, we continue to struggle with a lack of game time. We are also still trying to build our own playing identity and philosophy as a growing rugby nation,” he said.
Raphepeng said the squad combines experienced players with emerging talent, although some players he had hoped to include were unavailable because of personal commitments.
“We are going to take a mixture of experienced and young players. I am happy with the group we have assembled, but, to be honest, there are some players we would have loved to have in the team who are unavailable due to personal commitments,” he said.
Last year, Lesotho hosted the competition as a World Rugby-sanctioned Test Series. However, Botswana withdrew at the last minute for undisclosed reasons, leaving Lesotho and eSwatini to contest a single match, which the hosts won 34-12.
This year’s tournament therefore offers Likatola an opportunity to compete against both regional rivals and pursue the title. The competition will conclude with a match between eSwatini and Botswana.
Likatola squad
Forwards: Mokone Chabana, Kabelo Chitja, Metsing Mahloane, Thabelo Mpeoa, Matabataba Fiee, Siyabonga Lekhorana, Keketso Sejake, Napo Mashapha, Motheo Mokhothu, Lehlohonolo Mohasi, Kananelo Molaoa, Paballo Shele, Tlali Nkuka and Joseth Singing.
Backline: Karabo Mphaki, Kabelo Lebina, Bokang Ncheke, Sekhola Phate, Bokang Tšiu, Kano Motau, Mokhoele Lehloenya, Tšolo Moletsane, Itebogheng Fanana and Hopolang Khutlang.
Summary
- The team received a ceremonial send-off at the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) on Wednesday, October 21, ahead of the regional competition, which runs from October 24 to 31.
- Coach Khauhelo Raphepeng has set his sights on winning the tournament and ending Botswana’s dominance over Lesotho, as he continues to build a competitive national side.
- I am happy with the group we have assembled, but, to be honest, there are some players we would have loved to have in the team who are unavailable due to personal commitments,” he said.
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