Maseru, Oct. 11 — Lesotho National team Interim Coach, Mr. Leslie Notsi has named his provisional squad of local based players to begin preparations for the November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin respectively.
Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Media Officer, Mr. Mikia Kalati told the Agency on Wednesday that Likuena will travel to West Africa to face Nigeria for the opening match of Group C and will be followed by a home match against Benin a few days later.
He said Mr. Notsi has retained majority of the players that played Ivory Coast in the last fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mr. Kalati stated that Makoanyane XI and Kick4Life winger Paseka Maile and Rasebetsane Khosholo of Premier League rookies, Ace Maseru are the new faces in the team while Mohai Mohai makes a return after a long absence.
Furthermore, he said LeFA School of Excellence products in 21 year-old Hlomelang Lebina and Seahlolo Mosoeu make a return to the squad after missing out in the recent trip to Ivory Coast.
When contacted for comment Likuena Coach Mr. Leslie Notsi told the Agency that the players were selected based on performance and that they will resume practice next week Monday.
He explained that the players will only train twice a week starting on Monday to Tuesday due to the fact that the Vodacom Premier League has just resumed in order to allow the players to join their teams in training.
Mr. Notsi also stated that Likuena will play a practice match against one of the countries yet to be confirmed since the team is going to face Nigeria away, adding that even the home game against Benin will be hosted in neighbouring South Africa, where local fans will not be able to attend in numbers.
The provisional players include goalkeepers Sekhoane Moerane (LMPS), Seahlolo Mosoeu (LCS), Teboho Ratibisi (LDF) and Rasebetsane Khosholo (ACE Maseru).
Defenders are Mohai Mohai (Matlama), Kopano Tseka(LCS) Thabo Mats’oele (Bantu), Thabang ‘Malane, Mohlomi Makhetha (LCS), Rethabile Mokokoane ( Matlama), Rethabile Senkoto, Rethabile Rasethuntsa (Linare).
Midfielders are Lisema Lebokollane, Ts’epang Sefali, Teboho Letsema ( All Linare), Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Thabo Lesaoana, Tumelo Makha ( All Bantu), Lepheane Mofolo, Ts’epo Toloane (LDF), Khubetsoana Kamela (LMPS), Paseka Maile (Kick4Life Juventude FC).
Forwards are Jane Thabants’o (Matlama), Ts’eliso Botsane, Hlomelang Lebina.
