Moorosi Tsiane
FORMER Likuena defender Tlali Maile is backing the senior national football team to overturn the 0-2 deficit they suffered at the hands of the Comoros when the two sides clash in the second leg of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.
Maile, who also captained Bantu during his playing days, said the task was not insurmountable and urged the players to embrace a positive mindset ahead of the match.
“It is not yet over and it is going to take strong character to overturn that deficit on Sunday,” Maile said.
“It is not going to be an easy assignment for our charges but if Comoros managed to score two at their own back yard what can prevent us from doing the same?
“We have players who can do that provided they are in the right state of mind.”
Affectionately known as ‘King’ during his playing days, as Maile added that the Likuena defence needed to up their game and avoid silly mistakes that cost the team.
“Defending is very important and I have seen our defenders unnecessarily committing very silly mistakes and putting too much pressure on themselves. They need to up their game and concentrate throughout the match.
“The team lacks a leader in the defending role so they are caught ball-watching due to lack of communication. They need to work on that while at the same time pushing for early goals that will help them settle into the match.”
Maile said the late call up of Sandawana striker Roboama Koloti was a gamble which might not help due to his fitness level.
“I don’t think the late additions will bring much of a difference because we are talking about players who have at least two weeks of training after their teams re-open from winter break. So their fitness levels compared to those who have been with the team all along is low. But then again, sometimes we need to take those gambles and see if they can give us results.”
He said the likes of LMPS trio, Nkau Lerotholi, Basia Makepe and Tšepo Seturumane should not have been left out as they still had a lot to offer.
He however, said he still respected and supported the coach’s decision.