Lesotho squad overhauled for COSAFA Cup

Lesotho national team head coach Bob Mafoso has named just one foreign-based player in a radically overhauled provisional 45-member squad ahead of the 2026 COSAFA Cup.

South African  Betway Premiership star Lebohang Lesako stands as the sole representative based outside of Lesotho in the expansive list released on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. Currently capped three times by his country, the 23-year-old midfielder is presently on the books of Premiership newcomers Orbit College FC.

Notably, his compatriot Sekhoane Moerane—who serves as the first-choice goalkeeper for the same Betway Premiership outfit—is a surprising omission from the preliminary selection.

Notable exclusions from the Lesotho squad

The squad announcement has raised eyebrows due to several other high-profile omissions. Established Likuena stalwarts, including veteran forward Motebang Sera (Venda FC, South Africa) and the experienced Jane Thabantso (Lijabanto FC, Lesotho), have both been left out of the setup.

Instead, Mafoso has opted for a youth-centric approach, with the squad dominated by emerging talents and largely uncapped players from the Lesotho Vodacom Premier League.

In an official statement, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) clarified that the current group will be trimmed down, with only 30 players eventually reporting for the final training camp at the conclusion of the 2025/26 domestic season.

Mafoso, who took over the reins from veteran tactician Leslie Notsi last year, is eager to build on a stellar start to his tenure. His primary objective is to maintain momentum after successfully guiding Likuena into the group stages of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

COSAFA Cup profile for Lesotho

While Likuena have yet to claim the COSAFA Cup title, they have come agonizingly close on two occasions, finishing as runners-up in both 2000 and 2023.

As it stands, the COSAFA secretariat has not officially released the dates or the calendar for this year’s senior men’s showpiece. However, the tournament traditionally takes place in June, with South Africa frequently serving as the host nation.

Angola will enter the competition as the defending champions, having secured the trophy with a dominant 3-0 victory over South Africa in last year’s final.

Mafoso names new-look 45-man provisional squad for COSAFA Cup