Thabo Rakhomo
Mehalalitoe coach Shalane Lehohla stated that this tournament will serve as a test of the team’s progress. He expressed confidence in his players, noting that they are ready to give their best in the competition.
“There are no set targets from management or the Lesotho Football Association for this tournament, but my players and I, along with the technical team, have agreed that our goal is to reach the final.
However, even if we don’t make it that far, every opponent will certainly feel our presence. I want to assure Basotho that we are not going to COSAFA just to add numbers—we want to perform better than ever before,” Lehohla explained.
Lehohla also urged Basotho, particularly adults, to support the players both on and off the field, as external factors in their personal lives can impact their performance. He emphasized that his squad consists of young girls who need strong guidance to grow both as athletes and individuals.
When asked about his squad selection, Lehohla expressed his openness to include players based outside of Lesotho, provided they are made available before the final list is announced.
The opponents of Lesotho’s senior women’s football team, Mehalalitoe, for the upcoming COSAFA Tournament in Gqeberha, were revealed during a draw held on Tuesday.
The tournament is set to begin on October 22, 2024, and will run until November 2, 2024, featuring 14 nations—a significant increase from previous COSAFA tournaments.
According to various regional coaches, this growth reflects the rising prominence of women’s football, signifying that the standard of continental competition will improve, and more talent will be uncovered to compete on the world stage.
The tournament will kick off with Eswatini facing debutants Seychelles, while hosts South Africa will take on Namibia in Group A.
Mehalalitoe will play their first match against Zimbabwe on October 27, 2024, at 3 PM, followed by their final group-stage game against Mozambique on October 29, 2024, also at 3 PM. Venues for the matches are yet to be announced.
This year’s tournament is expected to feature several big stars, as the timing coincides with a global break in many top leagues, making more players available. The COSAFA Women’s Championship has been a launchpad for global talent, producing stars such as Temwa Chawinga, who now excels in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States with Kansas City, and Barbra Banda, as well as Racheal Kundananji, the world’s most expensive women’s footballer. Lesotho’s finest players have also shone in this tournament.
South Africa has won seven of the previous 11 COSAFA Women’s Championships, with Zimbabwe (2011), Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi also lifting the trophy. Lesotho is aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
