Lesotho meets Botswana in rugby international

Beasts... Lesotho rugby team, Likatola

The Lesotho national rugby team, Likatola, faces Botswana this afternoon in an international test at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.

The team will be captained by Samuel Takama of Mabote Beavers who were crowned Lesotho champions after beating Maseru Warriors 15-12 in the season finale two weekends ago.

National coach Roy Zhou has included five players plying their trade at South African universities – Lebohang Ntšinyi, Thabo Makuta, Sechaba Mokhele, Lapi Matsoso and Lehlohonolo Matsoso.

The last time Lesotho and Botswana met was in June 2014 in Gaborone. The Vultures beat Lesotho 44-3. Botswana, ranked 11th, is one of the16 nations that are ranked by Rugby Africa. Likatola are yet to receive a ranking from Africa’s governing body for rugby.

This match is Lesotho’s first since a 13-10 win over Swaziland last July.

The team is made of players from Lesotho Rugby League teams Mabote Beavers, Maseru Warriors, National University of Lesotho Spears, LCS Lioalaoala and Black Cobras.

Lesotho’s international results:

Lesotho 13-10 Swaziland (04/07/2015)

Botswana 44-3 Lesotho (14/06/2014)

Swaziland 13-0 Lesotho (04/05/2014)

Lesotho 5-3 Swaziland (22/02/2014)

Likatola squad:

Samuel Takama (captain), Tšeliso Mabitle,  Lehlohonolo Matsoso,  Mokone Chabana,  Khosana Thamae,  Motheo Mokhothu,  Lapi Matsoso,  Mphaki Karabo,  Tinashe Mugayi,  Molumo Rethabile,  Moleleki Moleleki,  Sedumo Monikasi,  Sechaba Mokhele,  Reatile Joale, Thabo Makuta, Thiba Thakhisi,  Motlatsi Moabi,  Lebohang Ntšinyi,  Tšepo Nomandla,  Litšitso Motšeremeli, Seabata Tsoeute,  Metsing Mahloane,  Tlali Nkuka.