Likuena coach warns of player fitness slump
Bob Mafoso reports aerobic fitness has dropped significantly ahead of November AFCON qualifiers.
Lesotho's national football team, Likuena, is facing a significant drop in player fitness, according to coach Bob Mafoso. Locally based players reported for a non-residential training camp on Monday, where physical assessments revealed a decline in aerobic capacity and endurance. The team is preparing for back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Gabon next month.
Mafoso stated that approximately 80 percent of players who previously completed the Bronco Test in four minutes and 28 seconds are now taking four minutes and 52 seconds. He also expressed concern over players' strength levels, noting that physical conditioning requires urgent attention. Despite the findings, Mafoso insisted the technical team has three weeks to improve player condition before the crucial matches.
Likuena lost their opening two AFCON qualifiers to Niger and Morocco, and positive results against Gabon are needed to revive qualification hopes. The team will face Gabon's Panthers in Libreville on November 13 and in Polokwane, South Africa, on November 17. Mafoso stressed that player pressure should be reflected in preparation, not just on match day.
Why it mattersLikuena players' declining fitness levels directly impact their ability to perform in upcoming AFCON qualifiers.