No COSAFA pressure for Mehalalitoe

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Mehalalitoe coach Shalane Lehohla remains calm and confident as his team prepares to face Zimbabwe in their opening match at the ongoing Hollywoodbets Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Women’s Championship in Gqeberha, South Africa.

Despite the weight of past performances, Lehohla said his players were not feeling the pressure ahead of their first match on Sunday. The COSAFA Women’s Championship kicked off earlier this week, and all eyes are now on Mehalalitoe as they take to the field for their first challenge against Zimbabwe.

Though the team had a disappointing run in last year’s tournament, failing to progress beyond the group stages, Lehohla remained optimistic. “I cannot say we are under pressure because we have not played yet. We will only know after our match whether our preparation was good or not,” said Lehohla.

Mehalalitoe coach’s focus is on executing the team’s game plan, and he stressed that there’s no need to feel burdened by past performances. “What is important for us is to stick to our plan and play according to what we’ve prepared. If the plan does not work, that’s our responsibility as coaches to adjust and make it effective,” he added.

While the coach aims to keep the mood in the camp light, there’s no denying the desire to win. “When you talk about COSAFA, every coach wants to come out as a winner. That’s no different for us. We’re heading into this tournament with a determination to win,” Lehohla said.  He said victory would require commitment from every single player at the team.

Lehohla saw this opportunity as a privilege for both the players and the coaching staff. “We are lucky to be here, and we need to make the most of it. It could have been someone else representing the nation, so it is crucial that we deliver. We are not just playing for ourselves or our families; we are carrying the hopes of the entire country,” he said.

Mehalalitoe will also face Mozambique in their group, which is the only three-team group at this year’s tournament.  After their match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, the team will prepare for their final group stage game against Mozambique which will take place next Tuesday. The road to redemption won’t be easy for Mehalalitoe, especially considering last year’s results, where they lost all three of their group matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Zimbabwe.

However, the team is approaching this year’s tournament with renewed determination. They left the country on Thursday, fully aware of the challenges ahead but ready to give it their all.

Lehohla’s calm demeanour and clear vision for the tournament will be key as Mehalalitoe aim to make a mark on this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship and progress beyond the group stages.

Mehalalitoe squad at a glance

Goalkeepers

Thuto Maifo

’Mamakhabane Makibinyane

Reitumetse Tuoane

Defenders

Moseme Khashane

Ntaoleng Theletsi

Thato Mapepesa

Itumeleng ’Molotsi

Mosili Motšoeneng

Nteboheleng Ramotsoku

Bokang Ntsane

Ntsatsi Khakanyo

Tebello Lekote

Midfielders

Boitumelo Rabale

Lerato Tsoinyane

Tšoanelo Leboka

Matšeliso Ntšasa

Nthabeleng Potsane

Nthabeleng Makhabane

Maseriti Mohlolo

Moleboheng Moloi

Strikers

Reitumetse Namane

Phuzile Molefe

Litšeoane Maloro