The National team Likuena received a significant morale boost on Wednesday as they were presented with new t-shirts and sweaters by the Lesotho Tourism Development Company(LTDC) and its donor partner, Maluti Mountain Brewery. The donation ceremony took place with much fanfare and was highlighted by the presence of the honorable Minister of Sports and Tourism, Motlatsi Maqelepo, to present and giveaway the merchandise.
The minister presented the merchandise to the LeFA General Secretary, Ntate Mokhosi Mohapi, and expressed his gratitude to the sponsors whom responed to their cries of help and support for Likuena. “I am therefore delighted to stand before you today to express my profound gratitude to two outstanding companies; Maluti Mountain Brewery and Lesotho Tourism Development Company(LTDC), for their generous response to my call for support to the Lesotho national team, Likuena”.
Mr. Tebello Thola from LTDC voiced the agency’s pride in participating in this initiative. He emphasized that their primary goal is to attract tourists to Lesotho and stimulate economic growth. The merchandise, which includes 50 t-shirts and 50 sweaters emblazoned with the national flag and “200 years” to commemorate the bicentennial of the Basotho nation, features the slogan “VISIT LESOTHO,” aiming to promote the country through sports.
Mrs. Mapupumo Mosisili of Maluti Mountain Brewery echoed these sentiments, explaining their intent to work closely with the government as the pride of Basotho. “The Maluti Mountain Brewery is honored and privileged to have partnered with the Ministry of Sports and Tourism in donating t-shirts to LeFA and the national team Likuena,” Mosisili then stated, wishing the team success in their upcoming competitions.
On behalf of LeFA, General Secretary Ntate Mokhosi Mohapi thanked the donors during this celebratory period. “We are grateful for the support from LTDC and Maluti Mountain Brewery, especially now as we celebrate 200 years since the foundation of the Basotho Nation,” Mohapi said. He highlighted the importance of this support as Likuena prepares for multiple international tournaments, including the World Cup Qualifiers and the COSAFA Cup 2024.
Honorable Minister of Sports and Tourism, Motlatsi Maqelepo then urged other companies or any willing Mosotho to follow this example and support our national team in their international endeavors.
Likuena are set to begin their 2024 COSAFA campaign on June 28th which is scheduled in Port Elizabeth from June 26th to July 7th. The team, coached by Leslie Notsi, has been placed in Group C alongside Seychelles, Angola, and Namibia. Their first match against Seychelles will be held at Nelson Bay Stadiumon June 28th at 15:00. Likuena were runners-up in the 2023 COSAFA tournament, losing 1-0 in the finals against Zambia.
Coach Leslie Notsi has named a 23-man squad for the tournament. The squad comprises:
Goalkeepers:
Sekhoane Moerane
Ntsane Molise
Tankiso Chaba
Defenders:
Motlomelo Mkhwanazi
Fusi Matlabe
Thato Sefuli
Rethabile Mokokoane
Rethabile Rasethuntsa
Thabo Matšoele
Thabo Makhele
Thabang Malane
Midfielders:
Lisema Lebokollane
Lehlohonolo Matsau
Tšepo Toloane
Tlotliso Phatsisi
Tšepang Sefali
Tumelo Khutlang
Teboho Letsema
Lehlohonolo Fothoane
Tswarelo Bereng
Forwards:
Jane Thabantšo
Lemohang Lintša
Motebang Sera
Likuena sets their sights on victory in the COSAFA 2024, the nation rallies behind them, fortified by the support of Basotho and of proud sponsors LTDC and Maluti Mountain Brewery.
