A new dawn for Likuena
As Lesotho’s young guns aim for COSAFA glory in Mangaung
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – The winds of change are sweeping through the national football team’s dressing room as Likuena arrived in Mangaung, South Africa, for the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup with a bold mission – to transform years of near-misses into historic triumph.
This year’s campaign, running from June 4 to 15, represents more than just a regional tournament but marks the emergence of a daring new generation ready to challenge Southern Africa’s established football hierarchy.
For years, Lesotho has danced on the edge of COSAFA immortality. Likuena’s agonising 1–0 defeat to Zambia in the 2023 final added to a legacy of so-close-yet-so-far moments, echoing their runner-up finish in 2000. Last year’s performance – a dismal group-stage exit with just a single point – only deepened the hunger for redemption.
Now ranked 148th globally, third-lowest in the tournament, Likuena carry the weight of history and the spark of youthful rebellion into Group B, where they face Malawi on June 5, Angola on June 8 and Namibia on June 10.
Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Technical Director, Caswell Moru, has orchestrated a seismic shift in selection philosophy, deliberately side-lining “the same established players” for a squad “bursting with untapped potential.”
This radical rejuvenation includes goalkeeping gambles with 17-year-old prodigy, Leluma Mofoka, and Nthebe Majoro from LMPS FC, replacing experienced custodians. Defensive reinventions include debutants like Lijabatho FC’s Mohlomi Makhetha fortifying the backline and the Rapuleng twin, Kananelo, solid in the middle of the park.
Moru acknowledges challenges, particularly in coaching infrastructure, but insists that “this is a youthful squad, and what I have witnessed in these boys satisfies me immensely.”
The strategy is clear, sacrifice short-term experience for long-term growth, even if it means navigating the tournament’s pressures with raw talent.
Midfield linchpin, Tšepo Toloane, embodies this squad’s fearless ambition.
He says: “Our objective is singular, win the COSAFA Cup. We are a talented team, young players with immense potential. We are committed, thoroughly prepared, and firmly believe this is our moment.”
His words transcend trophy dreams, highlighting the tournament’s role as a launch-pad for professional careers.
“This stage offers international recognition,” Toloane stresses, voicing the shared dream of countless Basotho youths seeking contracts abroad.
Head coach, Leslie Notši, shoulders the delicate task of balancing optimism with realism. While building “confidence to play without fear,” he highlights a critical systemic gap.
“We find talented Under-20 players, but there’s no Under-23 stepping stone. They jump straight to seniors, making transition brutal. Many gifted players vanish due to this void.”
This admission underscores a broader challenge for local football – talent development without age-grade scaffolding forces premature baptism by fire.
On June 5 against Malawi, ‘The Flames’ return with vengeance after withdrawing from the 2024 tournament following a national tragedy. Ranked 132nd, they boast COSAFA finalist pedigree – 2002 and 2003 – and a point to prove.
Their physical style and set-piece threat as has been seen in recent wins make them treacherous openers.
On June 8 Likuena face defending champions, Angola, who ooze confidence. With four titles and a FIFA rank of 87, their 5–0 demolition of Namibia in last year’s final signals ruthless efficiency. Containing their attacking waves will test Likuena’s defensive discipline.
Against the 2015 champions, Namibia, on June 10 Likuena face a team seeking redemption after Angola’s thrashing. Their midfield dynamism and counter-attacking speed demand maximum concentration from Likuena’s youngsters.
As Toloane implores Basotho to “rally behind this team,” the COSAFA campaign represents a cultural moment. Victories could ignite grassroots participation and attract scouts to Lesotho’s overlooked talent pool.
For a team ranked 148th globally, outperforming expectations against 112th-ranked Morocco in Group C or host South Africa in Group A would resonate across African football, hence tactically, Coach Notši’s young brigade must leverage defensive solidity – minimize errors that led to 12 goals conceded in their last five games.
Then there is transition speed, which needs to be used to exploit spaces behind advanced full-backs using pacy wingers. Finally, set-piece ingenuity. The team must capitalize on height during corners and free-kicks.
While the trophy remains a distant dream, progression from Group B – by upsetting Malawi or Namibia – would validate Moru’s youth project.
As Mangaung’s stadiums roar to life, Likuena’s cubs carry more than national pride; they bear the promise of a footballing rebirth. Their journey began yesterday – a date that could herald Likuena’s new dawn.
