Mafoso: Lesotho new coach ‘excited and scared’

Newly-appointed Lesotho national team coach Bob Mafoso has not hidden the fact that he has taken over the mantle with mixed emotions.

The CAF A-licence holder was unveiled on Monday after signing a two-year contract to replace his former boss, Leslie Notsi.

Now the former Namibia’s African Stars FC mentor has told the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) media that he is excited and scared at the same time with the challenge ahead.

Likuena move up nine places in FIFA rankings
The Lesotho Football Association Senior National team, Likuena has moved-up nine places in the latest FIFA rankings following impressive displays against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/WYxEpoW1Lk

— Lesotho Football Association (@FootballLesotho) October 20, 2025

“I have mixed emotion about the job. I’m excited and scared at the same because I know that expectations are very high,” Mafoso said.

“I take strength from knowing that I have the commitment from the President that he will give me and the team support.”

What lies ahead for Mafoso?

His first task comes in March when Lesotho kickstart the AFCON preliminary round assignments. Likuena were pitted against Seychelles in the two-legged preliminary round. Seychelles will host the first leg of the qualifiers scheduled for the weekend of 25 to 31 March.

The overall winner of the preliminary round will qualify for the group- stage, joining company of 42 seeded national teams vying for a place at the AFCON edition which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host.

It is a tough challenge for Mafoso considering that Likuena have never qualified for the AFCON finals.