Senong congratulates Masoabi on Move to Libya
Likuena coach Thabo Senong has congratulated forward Nkoto Masoabi following his move to Libyan Premier League side Asswehly SC from Lioli on a two-and-half-year deal.
The 28-year-old forward has also played in the GladAfrica Championship for Real Kings, who he joined after impressing playing in the 2018 COSAFA tournament-where his solitary goal handed Likuena a 1-0 victory over Madagascar to eventually clinch the bronze medal.
Masoabi has remained an integral member of the Lesotho squad under Senong’s mentorship and featured in the recent 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Benin.
“We are obviously proud of the new developments about Masoabi, it’s a positive step for his football career. He scores important goals for our national team and in my opinion, is one of the best strikers in the COSAFA region,” Senong said.
“He can easily score goals with both his feet and his head and is a versatile striker that presses well to disturb opposition’s-controlled build-ups. He is able to hold the ball and link-up play effectively.”
The Likuena mentor is adamant playing in North Africa could be a stepping stone to greener pastures for the Lanky striker, whose impressive displays for his country include scoring an 11th minute scorcher past Daniel Akpeyi in the 4-2 defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in 2019.
“I have always felt that Masoabi deserves to play abroad, in bigger and more competitive leagues. I believe in him, he adapts very quickly because he is very intelligent and mentally strong,” Senong added.
“I wish him success in Libya, I’m sure he will add lots of value to his new club. I push him a lot as a person and advise him to keep his feet on he ground. I always tell him to model his game on progressive traditional forwards such as Olivier Giroud, Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku.
“We have a lot of talented players in Lesotho, who can move and succeed in foreign leagues like in Zambia, Botswana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa,” he said.
