Likuena head 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 striker used for Real Kings in the GladAfrica Championship in South Africa.

He joined Real Kings after an impressive performance at the 2018 COSAFA tournament where his lone goal handed Likuena a 1-0 victory over Madagascar to eventually clinch a 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 the forward to move to Libyan Premier League side Asswehly SC from Lioli on a two-and-half-year deal. He scores important goals for our national team and in my opinion, he 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 that 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 over 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 quite intelligent and mentally strong,” Senong added.