The senior national football team, Likuena, heads into the 2025 COSAFA Cup with renewed optimism and a bold new identity, following the unveiling of a youthful, locally-based provisional squad aimed at revitalising the nation’s football fortunes.
The regional tournament, scheduled to take place from June 4 to 15 in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, presents what many are calling a golden opportunity for Lesotho to finally clinch silverware on the southern African stage.
Likuena have been drawn into Group B alongside Angola, Namibia, and Malawi, formidable opponents, but none among the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.
With powerhouses like South Africa, Morocco, and defending champions Zambia placed in separate groups, the road to the semi-finals has rarely looked this promising for Lesotho.
The team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Zambia in the 2023 final offered a glimpse of what’s possible, and this year’s squad reflects a decisive pivot towards the future.
At the heart of this strategic shift is coach, Lesley Notši, who has opted for a fresh-faced 26-man provisional squad dominated by young talent from the domestic league.
His decision marks a clear departure from the reliance on seasoned veterans and signals a long-term vision built around energy, hunger, and local potential.
“We have been using the same faces for all tournaments for quite a long time, and that has been limiting opportunities for other players to represent their country,” Notši said in a recent interview.
“For the sake of continuity, we need to start preparing young players to eventually fill those roles.”
Among the most notable selections is 17-year-old Matlama goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka, who has been in the national team setup since the age of 14.
He joins Seahlolo Mosoeu of LCS FC and LMPS’s Nthebe Majoro, signaling a complete rejuvenation of the goalkeeping department.
The defensive line-up has also been overhauled, with fresh call-ups like Majantja captain Siyabonga Monyaka, alongside emerging talents such as the Rapuleng twins, Katleho and Kananelo, anchoring the midfield.
Up front, Vodacom Premier League top scorers Teboho Masuoane (Lioli) and Sanele Phantše (LMPS) bring pace and finishing prowess.
This infusion of youth is not just about building for the future, it is a calculated move that could yield immediate results.
The new-look squad is expected to bring a dynamic, fearless style of play that could unsettle more experienced sides in the group stage.
Training is set to begin on May 26, giving the young charges time to gel and sharpen tactics ahead of their COSAFA opener.
“While we are building, we are also aware that Basotho are eager to see their team win any major cup, and I believe this squad will fight and make the country happy,” Notši said.
The 2025 COSAFA Cup will be played at the Free State Stadium and the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, venues that may well witness the rise of a new era in Lesotho football.
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.
