Lesotho coach labels 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers ‘The Lion’s Den’

Nigeria, Bafana Bafana, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda were all drawn to face Likuena, with the side finishing top of the table booking a ticket to the global showpiece to be hosted across three North American countries in three years’ time.

Notsi, who is expected to guide Lesotho through these fixtures, could not downplay the task at hand in the coming months.

"No matter whether I'll still be there because I'm on an interim basis but whoever comes, atleast if they find the team ready. Ready to be competitive because we are in a lion's den," Notsi said.

Another challenge for Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers is around their home venue after their three 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers were played in South Africa.

Notsi admitted this was still a work in progress.

"I really don't know much about that since it's more of the logistics that are done by the association and the government. But, somehow having played our home matches outside Lesotho, it has also made us a better team," he added.

It would be crucial if Lesotho can play in front of their own crowd – a scenario Notsi insists is a possibility when other alternatives are considered.

"The facilities are there. We have the training centre in Maseru, we have three training centres which are for Lesotho Football Association. So, in terms of preparations we never really have a problem. It's just that now when we have to play matches, either we play away or we go play in South Africa."