Likuena begin preparations for Seychelles
The Lesotho Senior national team has started its preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round back-to-back matches against Seychelles slated for March.
Likuena were last week drawn against the Islanders as the two countries vie to make it to the group stage of the next year edition of the continental tournament to be staged in Ivory Coast.
Interim coach Leslie Notsi praised the attitude and commitment of the 27-local based players, who on Monday reported for training as the national team commenced its preparation for the two games with Seychelles.
“I must say, I have been impressed with the attitude and commitment shown by all the players since they reported for training,” Notsi said.
“We had a talk with the players, and they all know the importance of this game as we all want to be in the group stage of the qualifiers.”
The experienced gaffer admitted that while Lesotho is ranked higher than Seychelles, they cannot be underestimated because they are a tricky side.
“The draw has given us a very tricky opponent that cannot be underestimated. As we have all seen at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, there are no longer so-called bigger football countries,” Notsi said.
“The smaller ones are getting competitive, and we have to prepare ourselves well and get as many training matches as possible away from our base.
“The players should also understand the nature of the competition we are going into and the pressure, which is always there in any competition. They need to know what it means to represent the country,” he said.
The Likuena interim coach stated that all foreign based players will join the group at a later stage, but the door remains open for all players that will impress as the Vodacom Premier League second round gets underway this week.
Likuena provisional squad (local based)
Goalkeepers: Teboho Ratibisi (LDF), Sekhoane Moerane (LMPS), Monaheng Ramalefane (Matlama).
Defenders: Rethabile Rasethuntsa (Linare), Kopano Tseka, Refiloe Mothae, Thabang Malane (All LCS), John Mohai and Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Basia Makepe (LMPS), Motlomelo Mkhwanazi (Bantu).
Midfielders: Lisema Lebokollane, Thabo Matṧoele, Moteloa Khemisi, Jane Thabantṧo (Matlama), Tieho Ntulo (Lioli), Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Thabo Lesaoana, Neo Mokhachane, Jane Tṧotleho, Tṧepang Sefali (Bantu), Tumelo Ngatane (LCS), Letlatsa Moshoeshoe, Koete Mohloai and Tṧepo Toloane (LDF).
Forwards: Katleho Makateng (LDF), Teboho Pita (Matlama).
