Likuena takes on Namibia

Lesotho is fourth in the six-team Group C, with only the winners of the group guaranteed progress.

Likuena started their campaign late last year with a 1-1 draw in Nigeria and a goalless stalemate hosting Benin.

When Likuena leave the country tomorrow for this weekend’s clash with Namibia, they will only return home after the Rwanda World Cup tie.

The 2024 COSAFA Cup is also slated to follow soon afterwards.

COSAFA is yet to release the dates and fixtures of this year’s edition and it is uncertain if the regional showpiece will begin right after the qualifiers, as reports suggest. Lesotho reached the final of last year’s COSAFA Cup before falling to Zambia.

Likuena’s interim coach, Leslie Notši, called up a provisional squad last week that started with preparations for the match against Namibia and the ties against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

The squad is expected to be trimmed before Lesotho takes on Zimbabwe next Saturday, and Notši admitted Likuena have had little time to prepare.

He said the game against Namibia would give them a lot of information heading into the Zimbabwe clash.

When the team started training, it only included locally based players but they have now been joined by the South African-based duo of Sekhoane Moerane and Tswarelo Bereng, who both play for Orbit College.

“There is no time, their leagues just ended and they were playing so they are not far off. Because everyone checked in medically last week we are going to look at them to see where they are,” Notši said.

“The game against Namibia is going to help us see them; it will guide us on areas to improve. We have been watching clips of the countries we are going to play, and Zimbabwe is a good team,” he said.

Notši added: “Zimbabwe is competitive; a lot of their players are in (the South African top-flight) PSL and that says a lot about the calibre of players they have. We have to prepare really hard, Likuena is a work in progress.”

Notši said there is growing confidence in the team and it is becoming more competitive.

He said Likeuna supporters are expecting more from the team after playing to a 1-1 draw with juggernauts Nigeria away from home and holding Benin to a goalless draw in Durban.

“Now it is all about working to maintain the level of performance and getting results,” Notši said.

Several players are making their return to the national team after long absences and Notši said it is due to their improved performances for their respective clubs.

He said the players and local clubs are growing.

“To have the league champions be decided on the last day shows improvement (in Vodacom Premier League),” Notši said.

Likuena’s squad includes Lioli’s Tumelo Khutlang and Limkokwing striker Lemohang Lintša. Experienced defenders Kopano Tseka and Thabang Malane also make a return to the squad after long absences with both having last played for Likuena at the 2023 COSAFA Cup.

Likuena will play Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium before flying to Durban to host Rwanda at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Likuena provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:
Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College), Ntsane Molise (Linare), Tankiso Chaba (LCS)

Defenders:
Thabang Malane (LCS), Motete Mohai (Matlama), Thabo Matšoele (Bantu), Rethabile Rasethuntša (Linare), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Mokhele Molise (Linare), Katleho Koeana (LMPS)

Midfielders:
Lehlohonolo Matsau (LDF), Lisema Lebokallane (Linare), Thabo Lesaoana (Bantu), Tšepo Toloane (LDF), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Bantu), Tšepang Sefali (Linare), Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli), Tswarelo Bereng (Orbit College), Jane Thabantšo (Matlama)

Forwards:
Lemohang Lintša (Limkokwing University), Teboho Masuoane (Lioli)

Tlalane Phahla