Reigning champions of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL), Kick4Life Ladies, are set to make their historic debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League – COSAFA Qualifiers on Monday next week.
The Lesotho side will open their Group B campaign against Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes FC on August 25, at 12PM at the AW Muller Stadium, University of Johannesburg. They are drawn in a tough group that also includes Gaborone United Ladies FC of Botswana.
Running from August 22–31, the COSAFA Qualifiers serve as the gateway to the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League, providing a platform for regional dominance and international exposure.
Kick4Life’s participation marks a major milestone for Lesotho women’s club football, as they aim to make a lasting impression on their continental debut.
On their way to qualifying for the coveted CAF interclub competition, Kick4Life Ladies blitzed their way through the 2024/25 WSL season, where they finished without being defeated.
Staying with women’s football, the national senior women’s team, Mehalalitoe, will travel to Blantyre, Malawi, on August 27 for two international friendlies against the Malawi Scorchers. The matches are scheduled for Friday, August 29, and Sunday, August 31, at Mpira Stadium.
The friendlies form part of head coach Shalane Lehohla’s preparations for the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championship later this year. With all Kick4Life players unavailable due to their CAF commitments, Lehohla will field a squad made entirely of locally based players.
Despite the absence of some of his most experienced stars, Lehohla remains optimistic of his charges’s chances.
“This is a chance for other players to come in and show what they can do. We have not been conceding many goals in the games we have played, but now it is important that we start winning and scoring goals,” he said.
“As a country, we are unfortunate; we got used to not winning. Even when there is an opportunity, we do not take it. It is important to work on our mindset. The players must get used to winning.”
Mehalalitoe’s team captain Thato Mapepesa echoed the coach’s sentiments, praising the high morale in camp.
“We all understand the importance of working hard and preparing properly for COSAFA. Games like these against Malawi help us deal with pressure and test our readiness.”
Lehohla, considers the Malawi matches as more than just preparation, but a platform for players to showcase their talent internationally.
Mehalalitoe’s squad to face Malawi is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Nketsetseng Chaole, ‘Mamakhabane Makibinyane, Nthabiseng Hlao.
Defenders: Thato Mapepesa (Captain), Tšoanelo Leboka, Bokang Ntsane, ‘Mantiti Tlholoane, ‘Mathabo Maphalane, Limpho Nthako, Maphaki Qhalehi, Ithabeleng Letumanyane.
Midfielders: Nthabeleng Makhabane, ‘Mamasoabi Monese, Lineo Sekhonyana, Nthabeleng Potsane, ‘Makhotso Moalosi, Nteboheleng Ramatsoku.
Forwards: Phuzile Molefe, Karabo Mabeleng, Motšelisi Makhoaphe, Nthabiseng Mohlahlobi, Mahlapane Matete.
Summary
- Reigning champions of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL), Kick4Life Ladies, are set to make their historic debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League – COSAFA Qualifiers on Monday next week.
- The Lesotho side will open their Group B campaign against Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes FC on August 25, at 12PM at the AW Muller Stadium, University of Johannesburg.
- Running from August 22–31, the COSAFA Qualifiers serve as the gateway to the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League, providing a platform for regional dominance and international exposure.
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.
