Soccer
Lesotho expect good support against Bafana Bafana─── MORGAN PIEK 10:21 Wed, 20 Aug 2025
The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) is confident of a full house when their national team faces Bafana Bafana in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Bloemfontein this September.
Although the game will be staged in South Africa, it will officially count as Lesotho’s “home” fixture, with Maseru unable to host the clash. Bafana came out 2-0 winners when the sides last met in Polokwane in March, a result that is still fresh in the minds of supporters.
This is due to the Tebogo Mokoena saga, which is in the hands of FIFA. Mokoena was fielded in the game, in which he should not have been, as he was meant to serve as suspension.
FIFA have been mum about the case, but may still decide to dock points from South Africa. This will be a blow for South Africa; however, they have a good lead in Group C, and it may prove to be not too costly.
Despite sitting outside the qualification spots at this stage, Lesotho still has an outside chance of reaching its first-ever World Cup. South Africa, meanwhile, top Group C and return to Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein a few days later for another heavyweight clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
With thousands of Lesotho nationals living in Bloemfontein and the Free State, the LFA is counting on passionate backing from the stands.
The Communications Manager for the LFA, Mikia Kilati, described the Free State capital as a natural home base for the team, as they have not been able to play a home game in Maseru in more than five years for various reasons.
Lehlohonolo Matsau. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
“Bloemfontein is home away from home for us,” Kilati told OFM Sport. “Our team has always risen to the occasion in big matches, and we’re confident it will be the same against Bafana. For many Basotho, Bloemfontein still feels like home.
“Of course, South Africa has the advantage in terms of experience, quality players, and a seasoned coach. They’ve been to AFCON and the World Cup. But these are the occasions where our players love to step up, and I expect nothing less when we face Bafana.”
Kick-off for the much-anticipated qualifier is scheduled for 18:00 on Friday, 5 September, at Toyota Stadium. On 9 September, Bafana will be up against their big rivals, Nigeria, which will no doubt be a sold-out game at the same venue.
