Seabata Mahao
The Lesotho senior women’s cricket team endured a challenging tournament in Botswana, suffering defeats in all three matches at the Botswana Cricket Association’s (BCA) Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament last weekend.
Invited by Botswana to participate in the four-team event alongside Mozambique and Rwanda, the Lesotho squad faced a daunting start.
Their campaign commenced with a resounding 113-run loss to the host nation, Botswana, on the tournament’s inaugural day. Subsequently, Rwanda secured a decisive victory over Mozambique, clinching a triumph by ten wickets in the ensuing fixture.
Match day two proved to be a further ordeal for Lesotho, as they suffered a crushing 124-run defeat at the hands of Mozambique. Meanwhile, in the parallel fixture, Rwanda displayed dominance by securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Botswana.
In the ultimate round of matches, Rwanda continued their impressive form by securing another commanding victory, this time over Lesotho, with a convincing ten-wicket triumph. Simultaneously, Botswana asserted their dominance over Mozambique, sealing a nine-wicket victory.
Following the culmination of the tournament, organisers emphasised the significance of such events in fostering skill-sharing opportunities and nurturing the growth of cricket as an emerging sport in the region.
“This is the only way our sport can grow and now with the inclusion of women, cricket has grown and gained a lot of exposure. We expose our players to the international communities so that they can get exposed to the International Cricket Council.
“These are important to us as the organisers to see their strength and where they can be assisted,” BCA said.
Team Lesotho was led by the team manager, Nthabiseng Mohaleroe, Head Coach, Theko Mahloane, Captain ‘Maneo Nyabela, Vice-Captain Tsemane Mosa, Boitumelo Phelenyane, Kananelo Mabitle, Kananelo Molapo, Kekhotsofetse Mohanoe, Dombkwenzana Makoatsela, Retšepile Limema, ‘Makopano ‘Mabathoana, Thandi Kobeli, Nana Mokachane, Paballo Pheko, Tšepang Khabo, and ‘Mamothepane Makoatsela.
Meanwhile, Lesotho’s senior men’s team faced defeat in their friendly encounter against Pheasant Pluckers from Harrismith, South Africa, held on April 20 and 21.
The initial match of the series, played as a one day international (ODI) fixture spanning 50 overs, saw Lesotho succumb to a narrow 10-run loss. In the subsequent T20 encounter, Lesotho again faced disappointment, conceding a 29-run defeat to their South African counterparts.
Despite the setbacks, Lesotho’s batsman, Lebona Leokaoke, distinguished himself by clinching the accolade for the best batter across the two fixtures.
Leokaoke showcased exemplary performance, amassing a total of 74 runs in the ODI match and 26 runs in the T20 encounter, thereby earning well-deserved recognition for his outstanding contributions.
Team Lesotho was made-up of head coach Alex Mavhicko, team manager, Bongani Mosiuoa, Captain Maaz Khan, vice-captain Chachole Tlali, Lebona Leokaoke, Mpiti Lerotholi, Lefulere Monathane, Mohleki Leoele, Tanki Khetsi, Thamae Thamae, Molai Matsau, Samir Patel, Tšeliso Letsitsa, Retsebile Khanyapa, Tšepiso Chaoana, Thabiso Ramphoma, Waswwn Yaqoob, and Borniface.
