But after winning just eight of the 37 games he has been in charge of since September 2000, Ramakau is forced to go back to veteran players who provided the bulk of the side that were finalists in the southern African championship four years ago.
Giant striker Teele Ntsonyana, former captain Tsepo Hlojeng and nippy forward Kabelo Mosothoane are among the experienced footballers recalled to an 18-man squad for Sunday’s Cosafa Castle Cup first round tie in Maseru.
Lesotho play against Botswana, who beat them 4-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round of the World Cup qualifiers late last year.
It is the second match in this year’s competition.
Mauritius upset South Africa 2-0 in the opening game in Curepipe on 10 January.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Thabo Khoboli, Tsepo Mathetha (both Lesotho Prisons Service)
Defenders: Tsepo Hlojeng (Mphatlalatsane), Thabang Mahlakajoe (Matlama), Mpitsa Marai (Lesotho Prisons Service), Motlatsi Maseela (Lioli), Khoto Sesinyi (Lesotho Prisons Service)
Midfielders: Shalane Lehohla (Lesotho Prisons Service), Bushy Moletsane (Matlama), Malefetsane Pheko (Lesotho Defence Force), Moses Ramafole (Lesotho Prisons Service), Thulo Ranchobe (Lesotho Defence Force), Lehlohonolo Seema (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa)
Strikers: Masupa Majara (Lesotho Defence Force), Kabelo Mosothoane (Linare), Paballo Mpakanyane (Welkom Stars, South Africa), Lebajoa Mphongoa (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), Teele Ntsonyana (Maseru Swallows)
(BBC)
