MASERU — Makoanyane XI coach Leslie Notsi has called for intensive preparations ahead of his side’s next Caf Under-20 Youth Championship qualifier against South Africa.
Lesotho will meet their neighbours in July after holding Mozambique to a one-all draw in Maputo at the weekend to secure a 7-2 aggregate win.
Notsi said despite Makoanyane XI steamrolling past Mozambique, South Africa will be a different ball game.
He said rigorous preparations were needed if Lesotho were to go past their next opponents.
“Our win (against Mozambique) has presented a big challenge to both the team and the management to make sure that we prepare intensively for the next encounter,” Notsi told the Lesotho Times this week.
The coach said he was planning to beef up his squad by bringing in more players.
The team also needs friendly internal matches before the qualifier, he added.
“The only way forward is to recruit more players and make sure that we organise many international friendly matches between now and July,” Notsi said.
“We’ll have to concentrate on our abilities and make sure that we work on our weaknesses so that we can go into the next game with our heads high.”
Notsi was pleased with the way his charges had stood up to the challenge of Mozambique in their own backyard.
“The boys showed that they are now mature enough to represent their country by holding their opponents to a 1-1 draw,” Notsi said.
Makoanyane XI’s goal in Maputo was scored by Litsepe “Cobra” Marabe.
Notsi hailed the Lesotho Football Association’s decision to disband Likuena, the senior national team, to concentrate on youth football until a competitive side is built.
“We’ve been saying this decision was the most crucial one in our football,” he said.
“It is now bearing fruits and I think it was a wise decision the committee took in the spirit of developing football in our country.”
