Letsema rides the winds of change
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 16, 2026 09:06
Letsema joined The Ostriches in early January on a three-year deal from Lesotho giants Linare FC, marking yet another chapter in a career that has already seen him test multiple terrains. At just 23, Orapa United is his fourth club, his third elite league competition, and his second foreign venture outside Lesotho. He began his senior journey at Linare in 2020 as a promising teenager before earning a move to South Africa’s Sekhukhune United in 2024.
However, his stint at Babina Noko did not take flight. A loan spell at Upington City followed, and upon his return, Sekhukhune parted ways with him. Letsema regrouped back home at Linare in July 2025, only to be snapped up by the Ostriches six months later.
Now clad in orange, he is steadily finding his rhythm. After a handful of appearances, the pacey winger delivered his standout performance over the weekend, providing two assists in Orapa United’s crucial 2-0 away victory.
It was a Man of the Match display that signalled his arrival in the FNB Premiership and helped steady a side that had been struggling for consistency.
“I would say in the past three games, I was not playing well, and the team was also not doing well. But we did not give up. I knew my time was coming and that we would improve as a team,” Letsema told MmegiSport.
His arrival coincided with an inconsistent run for the Ostriches, but the recent turnaround has injected fresh belief into the mining town outfit.
Comfortable on either flank and capable of operating centrally, Letsema’s directness and willingness to take on defenders has quickly made him a fan favourite.
The team's head coach, Elias Chinyemba, has also been impressed.
“He is new in the league, but you can already see his quality. He loves to take on the full back, and once he fully adapts to Botswana football, I see a very good player. I am seeing someone who can easily play in other leagues, even in Europe. He is brave and strong in one-on-one situations,” he said.
Whilst club life stabilises, change is also unfolding on the international front. Lesotho national team, Likuena, recently appointed Bob Mafoso as head coach following his promotion from assistant.
A new technical bench often means fresh evaluations, but Letsema believes his growing game time at Orapa strengthens his case to remain in the squad.
Lesotho face Seychelles in a preliminary round clash for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers during the March FIFA international window, and Letsema is eager to add to his 15 caps.
“The chances are high because I am getting game time here and I am helping the team improve,” he said.