Lesotho selects 24-man squad

Tšepo Seturumane returns to Likuena squad

Lesotho interim coach Moses Maliehe has selected a 24-man squad to start preparations for June’s 2017 Arica Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ethiopia and 2016 COSAFA Cup.

Likuena host Ethiopia on Sunday, June 5 at Setsoto Stadium. Five days later the COSAFA Cup begins in Namibia.

Maliehe has made several additions to the squad that faced Seychelles last month.

Added are Matlama goalkeeper Makhetha Thakeli and club-mate Mabuti Potloane who returns after year-long absence from the national squad because of injury.

In the strike-force, Likhopo’s Lehlomela Ramabele has made way for the returns of Lioli Tšepo Lekhooana and Tšepo Seturumane of LMPS.

Matlama striker Motebang Sera retains his place after a promising display in Likuena’s 2-1 win over Seychelles. The Vodacom Premier League top scorer is again joined by the Kick4Life duo of Motlalepula Chabeli and Thabiso Brown.

Speaking in the media last month, Lesotho Football Association general secretary Mokhosi Mohapi said Maliehe had been given a mandate of reaching the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup.

He said Maliehe would be given the Lesotho job permanently if he achieves the directive.  “If he passes his test, which is to reach the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup, he will be made a permanent coach,” Mohapi said.

Maliehe has chosen a strong squad which also includes United States based Tšotleho Jane who scored against Seychelles. The squad, however, is without Lioli midfield lynchpin Tšoanelo Koetle who was ousted from the last squad over an allowance dispute.

Likuena will be led by captain Basia Makepe of Lioli.

Likuena Squad

Goalkeepers

Makhetha Thakeli (Matlama), Daniel Jousse (LCS), Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli)

Defenders

Nketsi Rankhasa (Matlama), Basia Makepe (captain) (Lioli), Kopano Tseka (Lioli), Mafa Moremoholo (Lioli), Sepiriti Malefane (Bantu), Bokang Sello (Lioli)

Midfielders

Montoeli Sonopo (Lioli), Phafa Tšosane (Matlama), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Kefuoe Mahula (Matlama),  Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli),  Jane Thaba-Ntšo (Matlama),  Mabuti Potloane (Matlama)  Jeremea Kamela (Lioli), Tšotleho Jane (Richmond Kickers, USA) 

Strikers

Tšepo Seturumane (LMPS), Tšepo Lekhooana (Lioli), Thabiso Brown (Kick4Life), Motlalepula Chabeli (Kick4Life), Motebang Sera (Matlama)