Moorosi Tsiane
LIKUENA caretaker coach Leslie Notši says his side needs to be aggressive if they are to beat South Africa when the two sides meet on Sunday in a CHAN qualifier at Setsoto Stadium.
Notši said this following two practice matches that his side played against Botswana in Gaborone last weekend which they drew 2-2 and 1-1 on Friday and Sunday respectively.
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) technical director said according to the report from his two assistants, James Madidilane and Mpitsa Marai, who were with the team on Friday, the side created many chances but failed to convert.
“From my assistants’ report, we had a good game on Friday,” Notši said.
“I watched them on Sunday and they were fired up. The level of confidence is high especially because most of them are new in the team. However, our challenge is converting the chances that were created.
“But we have this full week to work on that and ensure that we are clinical and aggressive when we take on Bafana Bafana on Sunday.”
Notši said the two matches against Botswana gave him hope that they can achieve the targets that they have set for the team.
“You know football is not only about playing according to the coaches’ instructions but there are moments that will test a player’s aptitude and intelligence. I wanted to see how our players would react when under pressure. I am happy with what I saw because they came out of some tough situations.
“Players need to be able to solve problems on their own not only wait for the interval to take instructions from the coaches, we need leaders on the field.’
The former Matlama goalkeeper said they also need to work on their defence to avoid conceding.
“As much as we are unhappy with the officiating in Botswana, I also think that we also have to work on our defending because even when the officiating is bad, we should be able to deal with such situations.”
He said the fact that South Africa is bringing unknown players doesn’t mean they are not good.
“We played this team as part of our preparations for the Cape Verde match early this year and I know they are good, quick and tactically good. They will not be pushovers. It is going to be a tough match with lots of pressure and we have to prepare our players mentally,” Notši said.
