Lishoeshoe open COSAFA campaign
Lesotho team picture during the TOTALEnergies Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations COSAFA Qualifiers, COSAFA Under 17 Girls Championship Final match between Zambia and Lesotho at UJ Soweto Stadium, Johannesburg on 13 December 2024 © Alche Greeff /BackpagePix
Clash with Botswana in high-stakes match in Namibia
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – Lesotho’s Under-17 girls’ team, Lishoeshoe, will kick off their COSAFA Girls Championship campaign with a high-stakes Group C clash against Botswana on May 11.
The match, set to take place in Windhoek, Namibia, marks the Lishoeshoe’s tournament opener for which is definitely hoping for early momentum.
With anticipation building, Lesotho’s young squad aims to harness their rigorous preparation into a decisive performance, according to Coach Tjamela Tjamela, while the Botswana ladies seek to challenge their regional rivals full of spirit as declared in the media – heading into the Group to face Lishoeshoe and Zimbabwe, in what promises to be a feisty contest under the Namibian skies.
Coach Tjamela highlighted the team’s preparations for the COSAFA Championship, speaking to Public Eye, noting the intensive training sessions his charges have undertaken during the Easter holidays.
However, Tjamela acknowledged the loss of several key players due to age restrictions, creating a team with a mix of experience and first-time Under-17 players.
This generational mixture will require a different game approach, he said.
“We have chosen to empower the girls, focusing on their individual strengths rather than applying external pressure,” he explained.
The coaching staff has prioritized mental preparation and motivation to enhance their performance.
Going into the tournament, Tjamela highlighted an attacking style of play and the team’s consistent ability to find the back of the net. The girls’ positive response and belief in their ability to win have been highly encouraging, he added.
However, Tjamela also acknowledged that the team’s preparation time was limited.
Despite this, he underscored their unwavering commitment to giving their best effort.
Tjamela believes Botswana will be a familiar opponent, having played a friendly match which Lishoeshoe won.
He indicated that an analysis of Botswana’s qualifying matches has given the team a good understanding of their strategies and style.
He confidently expects a Lesotho victory, viewing Botswana as another team they can overcome.
He expects every group stage match to be a tough battle, requiring maximum effort.
Tjamela believes a strong start, winning the first two matches, will give them a good chance of advancing. The team, he emphasised, must focus on their own strengths and capabilities rather than past performance.
Lishoeshoe faces Zimbabawe on May 14 in their next match. Three group winners and the best performing runner-up from the three groups determine qualification for the semi-finals.
