…as Mafoso names squad for Niger, Morocco clashes
By Leemisa Thuseho
BANTU’S newly signed attacking midfielder, Bakuena Ramakatsa, and Matlama striker, Molefi Kulehile, are among the notable new faces in the Likuena squad named for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Niger and Morocco.
In their bid to qualify for the AFCON finals, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027, Likuena will begin their campaign against Niger in Accra, Ghana, on 25 September before hosting Morocco on 29 September at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Likuena coach, Bob Mafoso, announced his 25-man squad yesterday during a press briefing at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.
The senior national team has been hard at work since March after qualifying for the AFCON group stage by beating Seychelles 2-1 on aggregate in the preliminary qualifiers.
Ramakatsa and Kulehile are the notable additions to the final squad, having not been part of the preliminary squad Mafoso had been working with.
However, Mafoso said their performances at club level at the start of the new Premier League season had earned them their first senior national team call-ups. The duo are not new to international football, having previously featured for the Under-20 national team, Makoanyane XI.
Ramakatsa, a product of Kick4Life Academy, recently joined Bantu from the United States, where he had been studying since 2022. He has featured in all four of Bantu’s matches this season and impressed, including getting on the scoresheet in their 4-1 victory over LDF on 6 September.
Kulehile, who also joined Matlama from Kick4Life, has made a promising start to his Premier League career, scoring twice in his first three matches for Tse Putsoa.
Although this is his first inclusion in a final Likuena squad, Kulehile was previously called up to train with the preliminary squad in 2022 by former coach Veselin Jelušić. At the time, he was playing for AC TIP FC in the A Division.
“The two players were not in our preliminary squad but their performance in the few games played in the Premier League, they deserved the call-up,” Mafoso said.
As Lesotho continues its search for a first-ever AFCON qualification, Mafoso said he was also building a team for the future.
He said the squad combines young players with experienced campaigners to provide balance, while stressing that selection was based on performance.
“We have tried to include some young players whom we believe can play for Likuena for a longer time.”
Mafoso said one of his concerns had been the players’ physical fitness, which he described as a nationwide challenge in local football.
However, he said the pre-season camp held in July, together with recent non-residential camps, had helped address the issue.
“We had several tests, and we can safely say we are happy with the team… most of the training was loading the players on physical attributes, so the final preparations now will be specific on how we are planning to tackle the two matches.”
He also acknowledged that the start of the local Premier League season had helped improve the players’ competitiveness and match fitness.
Mafoso revealed that Bantu’s Kananelo Rapuleng, LDF duo Katleho Makateng and Lehlohonolo Matsau, Majantja’s Limpho Ralesupi and LMPS’s Thabo Mats’oele were among the players left out because of injuries.
He added that although 25 players had been named, the technical team would conduct a final assessment before trimming the squad to 23 players for the two matches, as some players still have injuries requiring further assessment.
Likuena squad
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Leluma Mofoka and Mosoeu Seahlolo.
Defenders: Kenneth Falene, Thabang Malane, Tlotliso Mapola, Katleho Koeaene, Thabo Makhele, Rethabile Mokokoane, Koketso Kherejane, Thabo Mafatle, Mohlomi Makhetha, Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Fusi Matlabe.
Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana, Tlotliso Phatsisi, Ts’epo Toloane and Lehlohonolo Fothoane.
Attackers: Bakuena Ramakatsa, Neo Mokhachane, Tholang Makuru, Ts’epang Sefali, Motebang Sera, Molefi Kulehile and Tebohо Letsema.
