Lesotho Coach Leslie Notsi Speaks Out: A Controversy Brewing Over South Africa's Ineligible Player

Lesotho Takes a Stand: Official Complaint Against South Africa

Here's the scoop: Lesotho’s national football team coach, Leslie Notsi, has stepped up to confirm that the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially filed a complaint against South Africa. The issue? Allegedly, South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Group C. This match was a crucial one for both teams, and now, Lesotho is looking to FIFA for justice.

Let me break it down for you. South Africa recently defeated Lesotho 2-0, and Mokoena was part of that victory. But here's the kicker: Mokoena wasn’t supposed to be on the field. Why? He had already accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers, which should have ruled him out of the game. Now, Lesotho is seeking clarification from FIFA on whether this breach of the rules can be addressed.

The Inside Scoop: What the LFA Has to Say

According to Mokhosi Mohapi, the Secretary-General of the Lesotho Football Association, they’ve already taken their concerns directly to FIFA. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a serious matter that could change the course of the group standings. If FIFA sides with Lesotho, South Africa could lose the three points they earned from that match. Instead, Lesotho would be awarded three points and three goals. That’s a game-changer, folks!

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But here's the interesting part: this decision could also benefit Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Currently, Nigeria sits six points behind South Africa in the standings. If South Africa loses those points, it could open the door for Nigeria to make a move up the leaderboard. It’s a fascinating twist in the World Cup qualifiers, and everyone’s watching closely to see how it unfolds.

Leslie Notsi: Keeping It Cool Amid the Chaos

When asked about the situation, Coach Notsi kept his cool. He emphasized that while the issue is significant, his focus remains firmly on the next match against Rwanda. As he put it, “While I understand the significance of this situation, my focus remains on our upcoming match against Rwanda.” Notsi added, “The relevant authorities will handle this issue. I acknowledge that formal complaints are being made, but I am unable to comment on the specifics or the current status of those inquiries.”

This diplomatic approach shows Notsi’s leadership qualities. Instead of getting caught up in the drama, he’s keeping his team’s eyes on the prize. It’s a smart move, and it reflects his commitment to Lesotho’s progress in the qualifiers. Regardless of how FIFA rules, you can bet that Notsi and his team will continue to give it their all on the field.