Lesotho’s national team manager, Leslie Notsi, is optimistic about his side’s chances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite being placed in a challenging group alongside heavyweights like South Africa and Nigeria. Notsi acknowledged the strength of their opponents but believes his team can still compete for a spot in the global tournament.
In an interview, Notsi highlighted that while South Africa and Nigeria are dominant forces in African football, Lesotho’s focus is on improving their own play and taking one step at a time. He emphasized that surprises often happen in qualifying rounds and that anything is possible.
The coach also noted that part of their strategy is to develop younger players and build a strong, unified squad capable of matching the continent’s best. While Lesotho hasn’t qualified for major tournaments in the past, Notsi’s leadership has instilled a sense of hope in both the players and supporters.
An important factor for Notsi is the advantage of playing on home soil, as Lesotho’s mountainous terrain can present difficulties for visiting teams. He believes if his team can maximize their home performances, they will gather valuable points to aid their World Cup qualification campaign.
Though cautious, Notsi remains confident in Lesotho’s ability to make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. He stressed the importance of focusing on each match and not just on the big teams in their group. The goal is to build on their potential, and with hard work, Lesotho could defy expectations and secure a place in the tournament.
