In a controversial move that has sent shockwaves through Lesotho’s football circles, Likuena head coach Leslie Notši has once again left out all Lioli FC players from his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite Lioli clinching the Vodacom Premier League title earlier this year, not a single player from the Teyateyaneng-based giants has cut next month’s crucial back-to-back qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
Notši’s 23-man provisional squad, announced earlier this week, features a mix of local and foreign-based talent, with the coach opting for continuity by retaining the core of players involved in previous qualifiers.
Yet, the absence of Lioli’s top performers, including COSAFA Cup standouts Mphale Mphalaole, Mokoteli Mohapi, Tholang Makuru, and Leluma Posholi, has raised serious questions about selection criteria.
Motebang Sera, currently plying his trade at Venda Academy in South Africa’s Motsepe Foundation Championship, has also been omitted. Sera, once a mainstay in Likuena’s attack, has been overlooked in favour of Lijabatho FC duo Khaketla Matamane and Teboho Masuoanesignaling Notši’s clear trust in emerging local talent.
“The foreign-based players will join the rest of the team before it departs for South Africa,” confirmed Lesotho Football Association’s (LeFA) media officer Mikia Kalati, who declined to comment on the coach’s selection decisions.
The decision has sparked a heated debate among fans, pundits, and former players, particularly as Lesotho’s goal-scoring record in 2025 has been dismal, with just two goals in five competitive matches.
With Likuena currently sitting fifth in Group C of the CAF qualifiers with six points, there’s growing pressure on Notši to produce results in the double-header.
Lioli’s exclusion has been defended by some, pointing to the club’s recent involvement in a Four-Nations Club Tournament in Namibia, which may have left players fatigued.
However, critics argue that denying Lioli players a spot in the national team robs the side of experienced talent and denies those players critical exposure at the international level.
“Whether it’s due to workload or tactical preference, leaving out the league’s best performers is a gamble ahead of such crucial fixtures,” said one local analyst.
Lesotho’s qualification hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to take on Group C rivals South Africa on September 5 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, followed by an away trip to Benin on September 9.
The match in Bloemfontein is a strategic move by LEFA to allow greater access to Basotho supporters. The association hopes to generate a home-away-from-home atmosphere, and tickets are already on sale via TicketPro outlets across the country.
Likuena’s camp for locally based players is already underway at BambathaTšita Sports Arena, with the foreign contingent expected to join during the official FIFA international window, from September 1 to 9.
Still, uncertainty surrounds the final travelling squad, with Notši yet to announce when he will trim his provisional list.
Provisional squad at a glance:
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College, RSA), Mosoeu Seahlolo (LCS), Nthebe Majoro (LMPS)
Defenders: Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Siyabonga Monyaka (Majantja), Thabo Makhele (Siwelele FC, RSA), Mohlomi Makhetha (Lijabatho), Thabang Malane (African Stars, NAM), Fusi Matlabe (Mpheni Home Defenders, RSA), Motlomelo Mkwanazi (Bantu), Bokang Sello (Lijabatho)
Midfielders: Kananelo Rapuleng (Bantu), Tšepo Toloane (LDF), Tlotliso Phatsisi (Black Leopards, RSA), Neo Mokhachane (Jwaneng Galaxy, BOT), TšoareloBereng (Upington City, RSA), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Township Rollers, BOT), Teboho Letsema (Linare), Limpho Ralesupi (Majantja)
Forwards: Khaketla Matamane (Lijabatho), Teboho Masuoane (Lijabatho), Jane Thabantšo (Matlama).
Summary
- With Likuena currently sitting fifth in Group C of the CAF qualifiers with six points, there’s growing pressure on Notši to produce results in the double-header.
- Critics argue that denying Lioli players a spot in the national team robs the side of experienced talent and denies those players critical exposure at the international level.
- Lesotho’s qualification hopes hang in the balance as they prepare to take on Group C rivals South Africa on September 5 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, followed by an away trip to Benin on September 9.
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.
