Likuena lack killer instinct: Notši

MASERU — Likuena coach Leslie Notši has blamed the lack of a killer instinct upfront for the team’s dour nil-all draw against Sudan in a World Cup qualifier at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday.

Notsi told the Lesotho Times on Sunday that lack of exposure and international experience were the reasons behind the team’s poor performance.

“We played better football than Sudan and deserved to win the match, but unfortunately we still struggled to convert the chances we created,” Notši said.

He added: “The biggest challenge going forward is to give the players international exposure and experience, and it will require a lot of time and patience to get the best out of this team.”

He said a number of friendly matches against high profile opponents before their next fixture against Zambia early in March next year is what the players need to get it right.

“Things have not been going well for us from club level and I think we have to address the goal-scoring drought from our domestic league because that is where most of the work with the players starts,” Notši said.

The goalless draw on Sunday moved Sudan to the top of Group D with four points, ahead of Ghana in second place on three points.

Zambia are in third place also on three points while Lesotho anchors the log with a single point after the draw against Sudan.

Meanwhile, former Likuena striker Teele Ntšonyane said the football fraternity should accept reality and come to terms that the standard of domestic football is declining.

Ntšonyane told the Lesotho Times on Tuesday that the criticism aimed at the national team players following the disappointing draw against Sudan on Sunday is unfair.

The former Wits University striker lashed out at the country’s neglected development structures which he said are affecting Likuena.

“We have problems from administration and they go down to the players, and it’s not a surprise that our national team continues to fail even against minor countries,” Ntšonyane said.

“We must do things right in terms of our development programmes.”

He said until there were changes made to the administration and development structures, Likuena would continue on their downward spiral.

“It’s very sad that this crop of players still faces the same problems that we experienced 20 years ago during my playing days.

“Our standards have been on a downward spiral for over a decade and even changing coaches won’t be a solution.”

“I have been in a similar situation as a player and I know how it feels.

“These players no longer believe in themselves and need motivation,” he said.

“They need to only worry about playing football, but it has not been the case with our national team as many of the off-field problems seem to have affected their performance.

“Our boys seem to be lacking the passion that comes with representing their country, but it comes with all the problems that have been reported from their camp,” said Ntšonyana.