Notsi selects squad blending experience and local talent.
Return of Tseka and Malane fortifies Lesotho’s defense.
Emphasis on local talent and strategic foreign inclusions.
Lesotho progresses confidently in World Cup qualifiers.
In a pivotal juncture for Lesotho’s football aspirations, Head Coach Leslie Notsi unveils his 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. This squad announcement marks a strategic move aimed at rejuvenating the ‘Crocodiles’ and bolstering their campaign.
The Return of Defensive Duo
Neris Kopano Tseka and Thabang Malane, stalwart right-backs, make a notable comeback after a hiatus since their last appearance in 2023. Their inclusion injects experience and defensive solidity into the team, crucial assets in high-stakes encounters. Tseka, aged 33, and Malane, 26, bring a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy to the squad, providing Notsi with valuable options in the backline.
Embracing Local Talent
Notsi’s squad selection underscores a profound trust in homegrown talent, with a significant contingent hailing from local leagues. This deliberate emphasis on nurturing domestic players not only fosters national pride but also fortifies the grassroots football infrastructure, laying a robust foundation for future success. Players like Bokang Sello of Police FC in Botswana and Tlotiso Phatsisi of Black Leopards exemplify the wealth of talent flourishing within Lesotho’s football ecosystem.
Foreign Contingent
Amidst the predominantly local ensemble, a select group of foreign-based players brings invaluable international exposure and diverse skill sets to the fold. The inclusion of players like Thabiso Brown, plying his trade for Jiangxi Lushan in China, and Fusi Matlabe, representing Mpheni Home Defenders in South Africa, underscores the symbiotic relationship between domestic and international football experiences. Their presence adds a layer of sophistication to the squad, enriching the team’s tactical repertoire and raising the competitive bar.
Steady Progress in Qualifiers
Lesotho’s commendable performance in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers reflects a burgeoning confidence and resilience on the global stage. Impressive draws against formidable opponents like Nigeria and Benin signal the team’s evolution and growing competitiveness in the continental arena. The spirited displays exhibited by the ‘Crocodiles’ serve as a testament to their unwavering determination and collective resolve to defy the odds.
Analyzing the Squad Dynamics
Notsi’s meticulous squad selection process encapsulates a strategic blend of defensive resilience, midfield creativity, and attacking flair. From the dependable backline marshaled by Thabo Mats’oele to the dynamic midfield orchestrated by Lehlohonolo Fothoane, each player brings a unique skill set contributing to the team’s collective synergy. The seamless integration of players from various clubs underscores the cohesive spirit within the national team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead
As Lesotho braces for the upcoming clashes against Group C rivals, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, optimism permeates the air. With Notsi’s astute leadership and a cohesive squad brimming with talent, the ‘Crocodiles’ are poised to navigate the challenges ahead with determination and grit. The upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for Lesotho to showcase their progress and stake their claim on the global football stage, igniting hope and anticipation among fans nationwide.
Lesotho’s footballing resurgence under Notsi’s stewardship epitomizes the nation’s unwavering passion and commitment to the beautiful game.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College), Ntsane Molise (Linare), Tankiso Chaba (LCS).
Defenders: Thabang Malane (LCS), Motete Mohai (Matlama), Thabo Mats’oele (Bantu), KopanoTseka, Rethabile Rasethuntsa (Linare), Rethabile Mokokoane Matlama), Mokhele Molise (Linare) Katleho Koeana (LMPS)
Midfielders: Lehlohonolo Matsau (LDF) Lisema Lebokallane (Linare), Thabo Lesaoana (Bantu) Ts’epo Toloane (LDF), Teboho Letsema (Sekhukhune), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Bantu), Ts’epang Sefali (Linare), Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli) Tshwarelo Bereng (Orbit College), Jane Thabants’o (Matlama).
Forwards: Lemohang Lints’a (Limkokwing University), Teboho Masuoane (Lioli)
