Moorosi Tsiane
LMPS defender, Nkau Lerotholi and Kick4Life midfielder, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, have been re-called to the national team ahead of next month’s friendlies against Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Likuena will play Zimbabwe on 8 November at Setsoto Stadium and travel to Lilongwe for a date with Malawi on 12 November.
The friendlies are part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cape Verde early next year.
Nkoto Masoabi, who has been out injured, also returns to the national fold along with Luciano Matsoso who is based in Holland as well the United States-based duo of Jane Tsotleho and Litšepe Marabe.
Likuena coach, Moses Maliehe, said they decided to call up the players to reinforce some departments in the team.
“We learnt from our previous matches that the squad was thin and some reinforcements were needed, so we decided to call up more players,” Maliehe said.
“Football is all about being honest and these players deserved a chance in the national team given their performances for their clubs.
Lerotholi has not featured for Likuena since Maliehe took over the job while Mokhahlane has been out of action for almost two seasons.
However, Maliehe defended their recall, saying he had been monitoring them and “there is no doubt that Lerotholi has been a pillar in that LMPS side and looking at the fact that we were conceding very poor goals we thought he will just help us to find stability at the back”.
“Mokhahlane was out for a very long time but he is playing now for Kick4Life. That is one player who has got football brains and leadership skills as our team had no leader. His only problem is his fitness level but we are working on that,” Maliehe said, adding he was confident the team would fight for him and do the country proud by qualifying for biennial continental competition.
In their first match Likuena played out a goalless draw away to Tanzania and they are second in Group L with a point behind Uganda who have three points.
“As a coach you also need to have a team of players that can fight for you and I believe in this group.
“I will also be heading to Witbank in South Africa next week to meet Thabo Makhele who played for our national team B side in 2015 but joined SA’s under-23 to convince him to play for us. We have talked before and he said they were a few things to sort out first.”
The former Matlama coach said it was important for Lesotho to join other countries in utilising the FIFA weekends in order to assess the team and give players the necessary exposure.
Meanwhile, Mabuti Potloane and Bokang Sello have been dropped from the team.
Likuena squad:
Goalkeepers: Agente Pule, Likano Mphuthi, Sam Ketsekile
Defenders: Mafa Moremoholo, Kopano Tseka, Thapelo Mokhehle, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe, Itumeleng Falene Thabo Makhele.
Midfielders: Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Jane Thaba-ntso, Kefuoe Mahula, Litsepe Marabe, Hlompho Kalake, Thabiso Mohapi, Tsoanelo Koetle, Tumelo Khutlang, Montoeli Sonopo, Lucia Matsoso, Jane Tsotleho.
Strikers: Thabang Rabi, Nkoto Masoabi, Motebang Sera