Times Of Swaziland: Billen full of praise for players

Billen full of praise for players
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 NTOKOZO MAGONGO  on 15/10/2012 00:00:00


(In Sotsoto National Stadium, Maseru, Lesotho)
MASERU – The National team, Sihlangu coach Valere Billen was full of praise
for his side after the 1-0 victory over Lesotho, in an international friendly
match yesterday.
It was the Belgian’s first victory since taking over a month ago. Sihlangu
recorded the victory courtesy of a goal scored by Zweli Mlilo’ Nxumalo after
losing 1-2 against the Likuena Likuena on Friday night.
Billen said he only told the players to go and enjoy the game as he did not put
them under pressure. Sihlangu is preparing for the CHAN game to be played next
year.
He said he was not happy with the refereeing as he felt let down in many
occurrences. He said Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo was wrongly penalised for an
off-side offence while he was on-side.
"Thumbs up to the boys they did well. I had to make many substitutes as I wanted
all the players to get the opportunity and some were tired from Friday’s game.
We still have a long way to go before I can say the team is ready for
competition," he said.
Billen said he was happy with the team’s performance and said with time
together, the team could improve its performance.
Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi was also full of praise of the local side. He said he
was trying out new players.
"Sihlangu played very well and they showed good character. They had a good
future if they could not stop playing. My team played well despite losing. We
are still trying out new players and they need time together," he said.