Lesotho name squad for Bafana clash

Bafana Bafana’s next World Cup opponents, Lesotho, have named five players based in South Africa for their Friday clash in Bloemfontein, plus their trip to West Africa to take on Benin next week.

A 24-man squad picked by coach Leslie Notsi is headlined by former South African under-23 defender Thabo Makhele, who switched his international allegiance two years ago, as well as 34-year-old veteran midfielder Tsoarelo Bereng, now playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship at Upington City but previously on the books at Moroka Swallows, Chippa United and Black Leopards.

Orbit College goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane is expected to be first choice after some fine performances for the Betway Premiership newcomers in their opening five matches of the new season in August.

The Basotho squad also boasts midfielder Tlotliso Phatsisi from Black Leopards and Fusi Matlabe from Mphepi Defenders in the ABC Motsepe League.

Winger Katleho Makateng and midfielder Teboho Letsema are both back at clubs in Lesotho but previously played in the Premier Soccer League at Richards Bay and Sekhukhune United, respectively.

The Basotho are forced to host their Group C qualifier at home to South Africa in Bloemfontein on Friday because they do not have a suitable venue of their own. They then take on Benin in neutral Abidjan, Ivory Coast, next Tuesday.

Lesotho squad

Goalkeepers: Nthebe Majoro (Lesotho Mounted Police Services), Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College, South Africa), Moseou Seahlolo (Lesotho Correctional Services)

Defenders: Thabo Makhele (Siwelele, South Africa), Mohlomi Makhetha (Lijabatho), Thabang Malane (African Stars, Namibia), Fusi Matlabe (Mpheni Defenders, South Africa), Motlomelo Mkwanazi (Bantu), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Siyabonga Monyaka (Majantja), Thato Sefoli (Linare), Bokang Sello (Lijabatho)

Midfielders: Tsoarelo Bereng (Upington City, South Africa), Lehlohonolo Fothoane (Township Rollers, Botswana), Teboho Letsema (Linare), Neo Mokhachane (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Tlotliso Phatsisi (Black Leopards, South Africa), Limpho Ralesupi (Majantja), Kanalelo Rapuleg (Bantu), Tšepo Toloane (Lesotho Defence Force)

Forwards: Katleho Makateng (Lesotho Defence Force), Tebeho Masuoane, Khaketla Matamane (both Lijabatho), Jane Thabantšo (Matlama).