Lesotho Senior National Team Assistant Coach Bob Mafoso Steps Down to Focus on CAF Champions League Campaign

In a significant development for Lesotho football, Mr. Bob Mafoso has officially stepped down from his role as Assistant Coach of the Lesotho Senior National Team, popularly known as Likuena. Mafoso’s decision comes as he shifts his focus to an important assignment with his Namibian club, African Stars, ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign scheduled to kick off in September.

Mikia Kalati, Media and Communications Manager for the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), confirmed the news, revealing that Mafoso will be dedicating his efforts to preparing the African Stars for one of Africa’s most prestigious club competitions. “Bob Mafoso has stepped down to fully commit to his responsibilities with African Stars as they gear up for the continental tournament,” Kalati said.

The African Stars recently secured the Namibian league title, marking a triumphant achievement for the club and positioning them as strong contenders in the upcoming CAF Champions League. Mafoso’s expertise and leadership will be crucial as the team embarks on this challenging interclub competition.

Meanwhile, Lesotho’s national team is poised to resume preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. According to Kalati, Likuena will soon return to training with a clear focus on their upcoming qualifier matches against South Africa and Benin, scheduled for September.

Mafoso’s role as assistant coach began in 2023 when he joined forces with head coach Mr. Leslie Notsi following the departure of Serbian coach Veselin Jelusic. His contributions over the past years have been instrumental in strengthening the technical team and nurturing the squad’s competitive edge.

As Mafoso steps away from his national team duties, the Lesotho Football Association is expected to announce plans for the next phase of coaching and preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. Fans and football stakeholders eagerly await the team’s return to the pitch, aiming to make a strong impression on the international stage.

Bob Mafoso’s move highlights the interconnected nature of club and national football careers and underscores the growing ambition of football professionals in the Southern African region. With his sights set on the CAF Champions League, Mafoso carries the hopes of both Namibian and Lesotho football fans alike.