Moorosi Tsiane

SENIOR national football team coach, Moses Maliehe, says it is not enough for his charges to win fair play awards, adding they must push themselves even harder and start winning competitions.

Maliehe said this during the recent ceremony at the Bambatha Sports Arena to celebrate Likuena’s Fair Play Award in last year’s COSAFA Cup where they were knocked out in the semifinals by eventual winners, Zimbabwe.

The award came with M88 000 prize money which will be shared among the 25 member team of players and technical team.

Maliehe’s charges beat Namibia on penalties to book a spot in the semifinal where they narrowly lost out 3-4 to Zimbabwe in a thrilling encounter.

“LeFA is growing as an association and the national team is also getting there,” Maliehe said.

“But the players must know that winning the Fair Play Award for three consecutive years is not enough. The big task that awaits us is to win that (COSAFA) tournament.

“However, we are working on it and there is no doubt that if the players can keep their heads down and never lose the ball, we can be achieve that especially with the possible additions of professional footballers to the team.

“I thank the players for their commitment but most importantly I thank the LeFA management because they understand the needs of the players to stay satisfied and produce good performances.”

For his part, LeFA secretary general, Mokhosi Mohapi, paid tribute to the players for a good outing at the tournament.

“We are very proud of this team and what they have achieved. The core of this team have played together from the junior level which is no wonder that they are gelling so easily and producing results. It is a good thing that they remained in the top 4 spot as that will guarantee them a bye for the next (COSAF) tournament,” Mohapi said.