Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) President LijaneNthunya has challenged the national Under-20 women’s team, Likhosatsana, to continue raising the country’s flag after their impressive victory at the Legacy Tournament hosted by the University of the Free State in South Africa.
The young side returned home to a heroes’ welcome after defeating Central University of Technology (CUT) 3-0 in the tournament final, capping off another memorable chapter in what has become one of the country’s most promising women’s football stories.
A brace from in-form forward Tebello Lesala, coupled with a goal from Boiketlo Molise, secured a commanding victory and saw Likhosatsana crowned Legacy Tournament champions.
Welcoming the team, Nthunya praised the unity and commitment that have become hallmarks of the squad, urging the players to preserve the strong bond that has driven their recent success.
“The sky is the limit and signs are there that from what you have achieved already, you can take us to greater heights by qualifying for a major continental competition, and starting with that, you might make us happy at global level,” Nthunya told the players.
He further encouraged the team to remain disciplined and hardworking while serving as role models for other national teams.
“Continue to work hard and be a good example to our other national teams. We are proud of you,” he said.
The Legacy Tournament success is the latest milestone for a generation of players that continues to break new ground for women’s football in Lesotho.
Under the guidance of head coach TjamelaTjamela, Likhosatsana made history in 2023 by becoming the first Lesotho women’s national team to reach the final of the COSAFA Under-20 Girls Championship. Although they narrowly missed out on the title, the achievement marked a turning point for women’s football in the Mountain Kingdom.
The team demonstrated that their breakthrough was no coincidence by reaching another international final in 2024 at the CAF Girls’ Gift Cup in Zimbabwe, further cementing their reputation as one of the region’s emerging forces.
Their latest triumph at the Legacy Tournament reinforces the steady progress the team has made over the past three years. The convincing 3-0 victory over CUT showcased both their attacking quality and defensive discipline, qualities that have become synonymous with Tjamela’s side.
The performances of Lesala and Molise also highlighted the growing depth of talent within the national youth setup, offering hope for the future of the senior women’s national team, Mehalalitoe.
With the COSAFA and CAF competitions continuing to provide valuable international exposure, LeFA believes this talented generation has the potential to become the first Lesotho women’s side to qualify for a major continental tournament.
Summary
- Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) President LijaneNthunya has challenged the national Under-20 women’s team, Likhosatsana, to continue raising the country’s flag after their impressive victory at the Legacy Tournament hosted by the University of the Free State in South Africa.
- The young side returned home to a heroes’ welcome after defeating Central University of Technology (CUT) 3-0 in the tournament final, capping off another memorable chapter in what has become one of the country’s most promising women’s football stories.
- With the COSAFA and CAF competitions continuing to provide valuable international exposure, LeFA believes this talented generation has the potential to become the first Lesotho women’s side to qualify for a major continental tournament.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
