“We are enjoying the moment” – Leslie Notši

Pointing the way forward: Kick4Life coach Leslie Notši

The MSC caught up with Kick4Life coach Leslie Notši this week.

The former Lesotho coach has done a wonderful job since taking over at the Old Europa club and now Kick4Life have an outside chance of making it into the top four.

Kick4Life are seventh in the Vodacom Premier League but, with 27 points, they are only three points adrift of fourth-placed Sandawana.

When he took over the team on November 23, Kick4Life had lost four of their previous five matches. Since Notši’s arrival they have won four of nine games and collected 15 points. Only the top three, Matlama (21), Lioli (24) and LCS (24), have collected more points than Kick4Life in the same period.

Last Sunday, Kick4Life played well again against LMPS; they were compact and organised as they have been under their new mentor.

However, Kick4Life were denied all three points by a late goal to draw 1-1.

Notši said he felt his side deserved to win the game. “I thought we deserved maximum points as we dominated the match most of the time. We created many goal scoring opportunities but we were not clinical and we got punished in the last minute,” Notši said.

Describing LMPS’s equaliser, Notši said his defence switched off for a split-second and were punished for it. “It was a lapse of concentration in terms of the communication between the goalkeeper and his centre-backs. But, I am happy with the point,” he said.

Following the coach's way... Kick4Life

When Notši took charge, Kick4Life were only four points above the relegation zone. With less than a third of the season to go, demotion is now the least of the club’s worries. “Going down has really never crossed my mind as I believe in my players’ ability,” Notši said.

A top eight finish was the mandate given to Notši when he was hired. Kick4Life are well on course for that and, perhaps, an even higher placing by the season’s end.

“The mandate of the management is to secure a top eight position and I believe we’re capable,” he said.

“The players are enjoying the moment and they are playing as a unit. They are learning every day and we are taking each match with all the respect and humility it deserves,” Notši said.

With this weekend a catch-up round in the Vodacom Premier League and next week an international break, Kick4Life have a two week rest. Their next match is against LDF on April 3 at Setsoto Stadium. Notši and his charges will be looking to finish a promising campaign on a high when the league resumes.