Notsi goes for youth and experience in final squad for COSAFA
Lesotho interim coach Leslie Notsi has gone for youth and experience in naming his final squad for the upcoming Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup to be staged in Durban from July 5-16.
The Likuena squad is headlined by the inclusion of 21-year-old Hlomelang Lebina, who was the joint top goal-scorer in the 2022/23 Vodacom Premier league season alongside Jane Thabantṧo.
Notsi has named several players in his final squad, who will be heading to their first COSAFA tournament such as the Lesotho Football Association’s School of Excellence product-Seahlolo Mosoeu, Mohlomi Makhetha, Neo Mokhachane, Koenehelo Mothala as well as Tṧepang Sefali.
The 58-year-old will be assisted by Bob Mafoso, as the two coaches reunite for the first time since taking the Lesotho national u-20 team, Makoanyane XI to the final of the COSAFA U-20 Championship in Zambia in 2017.
He admitted that they have a big task in their hands after being handed the reasonability to lead the Lesotho senior national team, which was previously coached by Veselin Jelusic, who parted ways with the Lesotho Football Association last week.
“After we were given this assignment by the Association, we looked at the performance of the team in recent games and what needs to be done to improve its fortunes,” Notsi stated.
“We analyzed the squad that Mr. Jelusic had already assembled and players that we felt had raised their hands to be given a chance for with the national team and see what they can do as they get assessed.
“So, we kept the core of the team that was already assembled but also reinforced the squad with the best young players in the league, who are also investment of the Association having come through their many programmes such as the school of excellence as well as junior teams.”
He stated that it was important to give young players a chance at the COSAFA tournament especially those that had done well in the league like Lebina, who was the joint top goal-scorer with veteran forward, Jane Thabantṧo.
“It was important to give a chance to players like Lebina, who was outstanding this past season in an area where Likuena was lacking, which is scoring goals but the other aspect that is very important is that the Association has invested a lot in his and others from their time in the school of excellence as well as playing for junior teams,” the Likuena caretaker coach said.
“Seahlolo Mosoeu is another youngster that continues to make good progress and we believe going to the COSAFA Cup will add more growth to his game as he has shown in some friendly games that he has played, he is one for the future.
“This an opportunity given to them by the Lesotho Football Association to get more international exposure, which they look to grab with both hands as they are responding positively in training,” he said.
Notsi, whose accolades with the national team includes reaching the semi-finals in the 2013 edition, where Likuena finished at the summit of its group, admitted that his side will have to dig deep at the upcoming tournament following a spell of poor results in recent matches.
“Looking at our group for the COSAFA tournament, it’s a tough group but we will go there and do our best. I’m confident that we will do well,” Notsi stated.
“We may have not done well in the recent Afcon games, but there are positives to take from those matches and all we need to do is to help the players get their groove back because I think we can get as far as the semi-finals.
“It is very important to help the players regain their self-belief, playing with confidence is very crucial for every player as well as understanding patriotism. The players need to understand what it means to represent their country and donning their national colours,” he concluded.
Final squad for Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup
Goalkeepers: Seahlolo Mosoeu (LCS), Sekhoane Moerane (LMPS), Teboho Ratibisi (LDF).
Defenders: Mohlomi Makhetha (LCS), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Rethabile Senkoto (Linare), Rethabile Rasethuntṧa (Linare), Kopano Tseka (LCS), Basia Makepe (LMPS), Thabang Malane (LCS).
Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana (Bantu), Koenehelo Mothala (Linare), Lisema Lebokollane (Linare), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Bantu), Tumelo Makha (Lioli), Neo Mokhachane (Bantu), Tṧepang Sefali (Linare), Tshwarelo Bereng (Mbababe Highlanders), Tṧepo Toloane (LDF),
Forwards: Hlomelang Lebina (LCS), Jane Thabantṧo (Matlama), Motebang Sera (Royal AM), Katleho Makateng (Richard Bay).
