Notši lauds his charges

MASERU – Just like a long lost nephew, Kick4Life have grown so much that it is easy to forget they were in the First Division just four years ago.
Kick4Life are now considered furniture in Lesotho’s top-flight and they took another step in their impressive evolution on Sunday when they outclassed the once mighty Matlama 2-1 to boost their chances of finishing in the Econet Premier League’s top four.
Doing so would mean successive top four berths for Leslie Notši’s side and it came as no surprise when the former Likuena coach, like a proud uncle, lauded his player’s “strong mentality” in the wake of their latest triumph.

The win over Matlama, Notši explained, would only serve as motivation for the side’s remaining games and send self-belief coursing through the squad’s veins.

“It was not easy playing against Matlama; it is one of the well-structured and experienced teams in the country. We knew it was not going to be easy but I am happy that my players played as we planned,” he said.
“We have young talented players but we want to help them by making them thirsty for game-time so that they do not lose focus due to fame,” Notši added.

“All we need is to give them time to play but just not always. We want to be in the Premier League forever so that our players gain experience because the more they play, the more they will gain confidence and experience as well.”

On the other hand, it was frustration for Matlama coach Mosito Matela who lashed out at his players’ obsession with dribbling.
With the defeat, ‘Tse Putsoa’ now suddenly find themselves in danger of dropping out of the top four bracket after what was looking like a stellar campaign.

Just few weeks ago it seemed as if Matlama had locked up a top four place and they further boosted morale at the club by winning the Lesotho National Insurance Group Top 8, their first piece of silverware in eight years. However, in just a few matches, the tables have turned on ‘Tse Putsoa’.
Sunday’s loss dropped Matlama down to fifth place in the Econet Premier League standings.

Matela also lamented injuries to key players saying they have derailed his side’s momentum. “We have injuries and that affected and disturbed our team,” Matela said. “We just have to go back to the drawing board; we have young players who are obsessed with dribbling that is why some of them were substituted in this game (against Kick4Life) because we wanted a win.”

A top four spot is still Matlama’s hands, however. All ‘Tse Putsoa’ have to do is to win their remaining three matches to seal it.

Nkheli Liphoto