Mehalalitoe off to South Africa

MASERU-Lesotho’s national women’s team, Mehalalitoe, will travel to Johannesburg for a friendly match against South Africa at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday.
Head coach Lire Phiri has stuck with the same squad that played a friendly game in Mpumalanga last week with only a few changes forced by players tied up with school commitments.
As part of their preparations, Mehalalitoe played the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) reserve men’s team yesterday afternoon.

Phiri said boys are naturally stronger and the game was the type of challenge he wants for his team.
According to Phiri, the friendly matches Mehalalitoe are playing are intended to improve and grow the team.
After facing South Africa, Mehalalitoe have a series of friendlies lined up.
Although some countries are yet to respond to the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) requests, eSwatini has confirmed a match against Mehalalitoe with the match dates to be announced.
Phiri said he sees progress in his side.

He said Mehalalitoe are growing in confidence and spirits are high ahead of Sunday’s clash against Banyana Banyana.
“We were in Mpumalanga (last week) and we have improved a lot. For us it is about determination, aggression, and growth,” Phiri told thepost.
“We are working on our weaknesses and there is progress. The players have improved and even the spirit in the team is high,” he said.

South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis, has announced a squad of 26 players to face Lesotho. She has made several changes to the team and has called up 10 uncapped players.
There are no overseas-based players in the Banyana squad but Phiri said he still expects a difficult game against South Africa despite the sweeping changes made by Ellis.
“I think (Banyana) are still going to work hard, regardless of who is playing. We are still expecting a difficult game because South African teams are strong,” Phiri said.
“We are not looking at who has not been called up (to the Banyana squad) because they play against good teams. For us, what we are trying to do is to learn from these countries and grow women’s football. It is important to learn, grow and improve.”

Mehalalitoe squad:

Goalkeepers:
Thato Maifo (Motheo Ladies, SA), Mosilinyane Lefaphano (Kick4Life), Mashekoe Mosetha (FC Stoko)
Defenders:
Nkotso Mapota (Wits University), ‘Mafusi Phesolo, ‘Mamoruti Ntsiki (both LDF), Nteboheleng Setoko (FC Stoko), Thato Sentje (Kick4Life), Mosili Motšoeneng (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Midfielders:
Kefuoe Makoa (Kolisang Ladies, SA), Lindiwe Taaso (FC Stoko), Retšepile Moiloa (Thaba-Tseka Ladies), Mating Momokare (University of Free State), Matšeliso Ntsasa, Tšoanelo Leboka (both LDF), Matšeliso Makutoane (Basetsana)
Strikers:
Litšeoane Meloro (Bloemfontein Celtic), Litšoanelo Matete (Basetsana), Nthabiseng Potsane (LDF), Ntemohi Moorosi (Limkokwing University)

Tlalane Phahla