Kananelo Mokhele
The women’s division of the Econet Rugby League is facing early-season turbulence as player absenteeism continues to cast a shadow over scheduled fixtures.
Despite the league being only three rounds in, two matches have already been abandoned due to insufficient player turnout.
On the opening weekend of the season, the anticipated clash between Liqhomane Ladies and Warriors Ladies failed to kick off after Warriors Ladies arrived with too few players. As per league rules, the match was forfeited, and Liqhomane were awarded an automatic 28-0 victory.
The issue resurfaced on match day two, when the fixture between Mabote Beavers Ladies and Mabita Gorillas Ladies was called off. This time, it was Mabote Beavers’s turn to fall short, as their players arrived late for the game. Consequently, Mabita Gorillas Ladies were awarded the match with the same 28-0 scoreline by default.
Reacting to these disruptions, Econet Rugby League Director Mahlomola Letsie acknowledged the ongoing challenge, noting the impact on the league’s development.
“Forfeits are always disappointing, but at least the rest of the matches went on without any issues,” Letsie said.
“This is not the first time we have seen such problems. Even in football, teams like Berea Ladies and Thaba-Tseka Ladies have previously forfeited matches due to showing up with too few players. In those cases, they lost three points. But rugby is stricter because a forfeit means an automatic 28-point loss,” he added.
Amid the disruptions, Liqhomane Ladies reminded fans of their on-field prowess with a commanding 31-0 victory over Lesotho Rugby Academy Ladies last weekend.
The team led 17-0 at halftime and maintained dominance throughout the second half, sealing a comprehensive win and reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most formidable sides.
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Liqhomane Men also delivered a thrilling performance. Trailing 0-7 at halftime against Lesotho Rugby Academy Men, they mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half to clinch a narrow 12-10 victory in a tense, action-packed encounter.
However, the match was not without controversy. Emotions flared on the sidelines when Liqhomane coach Maruping Mosoeu was shown a red card for misconduct toward match officials. The disciplinary action adds a twist to Liqhomane’s journey, as they now prepare for upcoming fixtures without their head coach on the bench.
Despite the setback, the team’s grit and recent performances have galvanized fans, especially with the women’s team continuing to raise the bar in local rugby circles.
Looking ahead, the next round of FRL fixtures promises more excitement. On Saturday, Mabote Beavers Ladies are set to face NUL Spears Ladies at 12:00 PM, followed by Mabita Gorillas Ladies taking on Liqhomane Ladies at 12:30 PM.
In the men’s fixtures, Mabote Beavers Men will clash with NUL Spears Men at 1:00 PM, while Mabita Gorillas Men go head-to-head with Liqhomane Men at 2:00 PM.
As the season gathers momentum, all eyes are on the teams to deliver both on and off the pitch, ensuring the integrity and growth of women’s rugby in Lesotho.
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