Heartbreak for Lishoeshoe

Lishoeshoe’s dream run at the Girls Under-17 Integrated Football Tournament ended in heartbreak, as a well-drilled Sundowns side powered to a commanding 5–0 victory to be crowned champions.

The scoreline told a harsh story, but it did little to erase the respect earned by Lesotho’s young girls throughout the competition.

In recognition of their discipline and sportsmanship, Lishoeshoe were awarded the Fair Play Award, a fitting honour for a team that displayed character on and off the pitch despite facing elite opposition.

In reaction of her team’s performance, Lishoeshoe’s coach Elizabeth Yelimala, struck a defiant yet hopeful tone after a demanding season across youth and senior levels.

Despite mixed results and narrow margins against strong regional opponents, Yelimala insists that Lesotho football is moving in the right direction.

“The spirit and work ethic of this team will carry us forward. We are not where we want to be yet, but the growth is clear,” she said.

Yelimala recently guided the Lishoeshoe Under-17 girls at the CAF U-17 GIFT Zimbabwe 2025 tournament, where the team earned praise for competing bravely against some of southern Africa’s strongest youth sides.

A commanding 6–0 victory over Eswatini stood out as a tournament highlight, showcasing attacking flair and growing defensive organisation. Lesotho also pushed Mozambique and other group opponents, narrowly missing out on a place in the final after a late setback.

While disappointment lingered, Yelimala applauded her players’ resilience and eagerness to learn.

“These matches exposed us to the intensity of continental football. The girls responded with courage and discipline, and that experience is priceless,” she said.

Earlier in the year, Lesotho’s youth development programme delivered promising signs during a two-match friendly series against Botswana.

Working alongside Lire Phiri, Yelimala oversaw a draw and a victory, with goals from Nteboheng Sooane and Liteboho Sekali highlighting the team’s attacking progress. Though unofficial, the fixtures proved valuable against a physically imposing opponent.

“Our players showed heart and tactical growth. These games prepare them mentally for bigger tournaments,” Yelimala reflected.

At senior level, Lesotho’s men endured a challenging period. The Likuena suffered a heavy 4–0 defeat to Angola at the 2025 COSAFA Cup, although later group matches showed improved competitiveness.

In FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a 3–0 loss to South Africa served as a reminder of the gap that still exists at the highest level. The results underline the need for depth, consistency, and sustained investment in youth pathways feeding into the senior ranks.

On the home front, the conclusion of the 2024–25 Lesotho Premier League brought a bright note, with Lioli FC crowned champions once again. Their title defence reinforced the strength of domestic competition and the vital role clubs play in supplying talent to national teams.

Football administrators believe sustained club success is key to narrowing the gap between Lesotho and regional heavyweights.

Beyond the football pitch, Lesotho enjoyed a productive year across multiple sporting disciplines. The national youth delegation returned from the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games with 13 medals, shining in athletics, boxing, table tennis, and Special Olympics events. These achievements signal a broader rise in sporting potential for Yelimala.

“Confidence comes from preparation, belief and the support of our communities. We have the talent now we must convert it into consistency on the field,” she said.

Seabata Mahao

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.