Likuena unchanged for Namibia and DRC

Likuena will travel to Namibia with an unchanged squad. Lesotho plays Namibia in Windhoek on Monday in a friendly international.

Likuena will then face another stiff test against the Democratic Republic of Congo next Sunday in Pretoria.

Likuena rightback Salebone Lekhooa (left)

Both matches are preparation for the 2014 Fifa World Cup preliminary qualifier against Burundi early next month. Likuena face Burundi in a two-legged affair on November 11 and November 15. The winners will make it through to the group stage of qualifying where Ghana, Zambia and Sudan wait.

The squad chosen by Likuena coach Leslie Notši is made up of locally based players. Notši has resisted the temptation to tinker with the 23-man squad preferring to stick with the same group of players that were involved in Likuena’s impressive 2-1 win over Botswana in Gaborone early last month.

Lesotho’s foreign based players will only come into contention for selection after the DRC match. That is because the two friendly games against Namibia and the DRC fall outside Fifa dates.

Those who will come into contention include Tunisia based Bokang Mothoana, Botswana based trio of Bushy Moletsane, Lehlomela Ramabele and Litšepe Marabe, and Thapelo Tale who has found his scoring boots with FK Srem in Serbia.

Likuena are now in fulltime camp at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena leading up to the clash with Burundi.

Montoeli Sonopo

The first leg against Burundi will be played at the Setsoto Stadium on the evening of Friday November 11 before the return match in Bujumbura four days later.

Likuena squad

Goalkeepers: Kananelo Makhooane (Likhopo), Phoka Matete (Linare), Mohau Kuenane (Lioli)

Defenders: Thapelo Mokhehle, Nkau Lerotholi (both Matlama), Moitheri Ntobo (LCS), Kopano Tseka, Motiki Mohale (Lerotholi), Thabo Masualle (Lioli), Likano Teele, Thabiso Maile (both Bantu), Salebone Lekhooa (Likhopo)

Midfielders: Motlalepula Mofolo, Montoeli Sonopo (both Lioli), Tšoanelo Koetle (Matlama), Ralekoti Mokhahlane (LCS), Tsebang Lebata, Tšeliso Sejake (both Likhopo), Mosiuoa Boseka (Bantu)

Strikers: Dlomo Monapathi (Matlama), Sello ‘Muso (Lioli), Mojela Letsie (LDF), Thulo Ranchobe (LCS)