Lesotho FA gives update on national team job

Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has given a major update regarding its hunt for a new coach to preside over the forthcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The coaching job fell vacant after LeFA decided against extending the contract of veteran Leslie Notsi two weeks ago.

The association released a statement inviting applications for the job. Among the requirements, LeFA wants the candidates for the post to have either a CAF A Licence or Pro Licence, should have coached in Africa and in an elite league. The applicant should also have coached or been part of a national team structure in the last four years.

With the December 30 deadline for submitting applications looming, LeFA general secretary Mokhosi Mohapi has told Pan-Africa Football on the state of affairs on the applicants so far.

Asked if the post has attracted applicants from Europe and even South Africa, Mohapi said: “Yes, many have applied but fall short of our requirements, not quite what we want.” It remains to be seen whether more qualified applicants will vie for the job in the remaining few days.

Why Lesotho want a new coach

The association is looking for a new coach to replace Notsi. The veteran coach lost his job alongside assistant coaches Bafokeng Mohapi, Abraham Mongoya, and goalkeeper trainer Samuel Ketsekile for failing to meet the target of going past the group stages of the 2025 COSAFA Cup and qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals.

However, the former coach told Pan-Africa Football last week that he was not sacked but rather the national coaching panel changes were inevitable following leadership changes within LeFA. Lijane Nthunya was elected as the association’s new president, replacing Salemane Phafane in November.

Despite failing to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON finals, Lesotho competed strongly.

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