Moses Maliehe
Mikia Kalati
National team interim coach Moses Maliehe has announced a new-look 25-member squad which begins training in Maseru next week.
The Matlama and national under-20 team coach took over from Seephephe Matete early this month and has named a team of youngsters while axing seniors who had become synonymous with Likuena, such
Mohau Kuenane, Moitheri Ntobo, Thapelo Mokhehle, Bokang Mothoana, Bushy Moletsane, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Lekhanya Lekhanya, Thapelo Tale, Nkau Lerotholi, and Nkoto Masoabi.
Lesotho play their next competitive match in March next year—a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifier against the Seychelles.
Likuena have already lost their opening qualifiers against Ethiopia and Algeria but still have a mathematical chance of making it to the final tournament set for Gabon.
Maliehe has only retained seven players from Matete’s squad which lost to Zimbabwe in last month’s 2016 African Nations Championship qualifiers, namely the Lioli trio of Basia Makepe, Jerry Kamele, Tšoanelo Koetle; Tšepo Seturumane of LMPS; Bantu’s duo of Litšepe Marabe and Hlompho Kalake, and Jane Thabantšo of Matlama.
“We have mostly gone for players who were in the under-20 set-up over the last few years,” Maliehe told the Lesotho Times on Tuesday.
“We don’t have any friendlies lined-up as yet but it is important to start preparations early and hopefully, utilise all international friendly dates in the New Year.”
Maliehe also revealed the squad would be holding two training camps next month and early next year to be adequately prepared for back-to-back clashes against the Seychelles.
“This is a great chance for the new faces to show what they can do, but the door is still open for any player who does well for his club,” said Maliehe.
The amiable coach says the positive thing about his new-look squad is the players have all played international football before, although at junior level.
“They all know what it takes to play on the international stage so they will not struggle that much to adapt to the national team,” said Maliehe.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Daniel Jouse (LCS), Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli).
Defenders: Basia Makepe, Mafa Moremoholo, Kopano Tseka, Bokang Sello (all Lioli); John Mohai, Nkesi Rankhasa (both Matlama); Mkwanazi Mkwanazi (Sundawana).
Midfielders: Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thabantšo, Tšepang Maine, (all Matlama); Hlompho Kalake, Litšepe Marabe (both Bantu); Tšepo Seturumane (LMPS), Mohau Rammoneng (Liphakoe), Montoeli Sonopo, Tšoanelo Koetle, Tumelo Khutlang, Jerry Kamele (all Lioli); Thabo Seakhoa (LCS).
Strikers: Lehlomela Ramabele (Likhopo), Thabiso Brown, Chapeli Motlalepula (both Kick4Life).
