Mamello Rakotsoane
Newly appointed senior national team coach Atang ‘Bob’ Mafoso is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead as he looks to turn around the fortunes of the struggling Likuena.
Reacting to his appointment, Mafoso said that despite the odds, he is confident in his ability to breathe new life into the national team.
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) confirmed his appointment this week, following a lengthy selection process that culminated in a series of interviews held in late January 2026. Mafoso replaces Leslie Notši, who was relieved of his duties earlier this year.
He has been handed a two-year contract, with his primary mandate being to guide Likuena to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I promise to do better as I trust myself,” he said.
“There will be good results for the national team since I am now the coach.”
Mafoso has yet to appoint an assistant coach but indicated that the process will begin soon. He plans to submit potential candidates to LeFA for a vetting process, emphasising transparency and collaboration.
According to Mafoso, the assistant coach must be someone who can work well with people and demonstrate self-respect, qualities he intends to instill within the squad.
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, Mafoso admitted that the role comes with pressure but said he remains optimistic.
“It is a difficult job, but I will work very hard. The team has lost many games in the past, but those losses have helped us grow and learn. I feel happy and nervous at the same time, but I believe good results will come.”
A well-respected figure in African football, Mafoso brings vast experience to the role. He previously served as head coach of Namibian Premier League side African Stars Football Club, where he led the team to the league title at the first time of asking. Mafoso also has an extensive coaching history within Lesotho.
Domestically, he has coached two of the Premier League’s giants, Bantu and Lioli FC, among others.
Importantly, Mafoso is no stranger to the national setup, having previously worked as an assistant coach for Likuena, a factor that is expected to ease his transition into the top job.
LeFA’s president Lijane Nthunya confirmed that Mafoso will focus solely on national team duties, marking a shift from previous arrangements where coaches were allowed to handle both club and national responsibilities simultaneously. Nthunya assured the new coach of the Association’s full backing.
“We are going to assist him to choose a coach with the ability to work with people, with self-respect, so that he can transfer these values to the players,” said Nthunya.
Nthunya also issued a stern warning to staff members against leaking sensitive information, cautioning that such actions could severely undermine the Association’s work and objectives.
Summary
- Newly appointed senior national team coach Atang ‘Bob’ Mafoso is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead as he looks to turn around the fortunes of the struggling Likuena.
- Importantly, Mafoso is no stranger to the national setup, having previously worked as an assistant coach for Likuena, a factor that is expected to ease his transition into the top job.
- “We are going to assist him to choose a coach with the ability to work with people, with self-respect, so that he can transfer these values to the players,” said Nthunya.
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