Berea Ladies FC honours stellar season

Celebrates success, cements rise in women’s football

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Berea Ladies FC capped off an exceptional season with a prestigious awards ceremony at Teyateyaneng’s Blue Mountain Inn on August 2, solidifying their position as a rising power in women’s football.

Berea Ladies FC stands as a foundational club within the still-young but vital Lesotho Women’s Super League (LWSL).

Established alongside the league’s inception in 2019, they represent the Berea district, their formation was a direct response to the Lesotho Football Association’s concerted push to develop and formalize women’s football nationwide, moving beyond ad-hoc tournaments to a structured league system.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, founder, Lekhooa Thabaneng, highlighted the club’s significant achievements, emphasizing the dedication and hard work of both players and staff.

Thabaneng said the ceremony was not just about recognising individual brilliance, but it was a celebration of collective effort, the dedication that propelled them to the remarkable accomplishments. He proudly outlined three monumental milestones.

Berea Ladies achieved a historic third-place finish in the Women’s Super League, their highest ever league placing. He said this achievement signifies a major leap forward for the club, demonstrating consistent improvement and growing competitive spirit.

He added that, the team’s strong performance continued in the Queens Cup, where they secured a well-deserved second-place finish. This result showcased their tactical ability and adaptability on the pitch.

Thabaneng outlined a truly unforgettable triumph that came in January 2025 when Berea Ladies claimed the coveted Inter-Club Tournament championship, marking a significant step towards solidifying their reputation as a challenging team on the national stage. Thabaneng emphasised the club’s commitment to defending this title in January 2026.

He lauded the careful planning and unrelenting effort that strengthened these accomplishments. The awards ceremony recognised individual excellence and contributions to the team’s success. Elite performers were honored with substantial prize money.

Goal Keeper of the Season: Lipuo Tana, Middle Fielder of the Season: Lerato Shoaepan, Defender of the Season: Liteboho Tjobe, Most Disciplined Player: Lintle Moleleki, Players’ Player of the Season: Nthabiseng Mohlahlobi – they each receive M500.

Top Goal Scorer: ‘Makhotso Moalosi walked home with M600, Player of the Season: Nthabeleng Letumanyane received M700, while Team Manager: ‘Malefu Makoko pocketed M1 000 and Coach Lehloenya Nkhasi M1500.

Thabaneng stated that the ceremony was not solely about celebrating past achievements. Significantly, it also served as an introduction of nine new players joining the squad for the upcoming season.

He expressed unwavering belief in the team’s potential to exceed previous accomplishments.

He stressed the importance of consecutive top-four finishes in the league as a key step toward achieving the ultimate goal- securing the championship title.

He said, this impressive season, coupled with the ambitious plans for the future, suggests that Berea Ladies is poised for even greater success in the coming years.

As one of the league’s original members, Berea Ladies FC embodies the decentralization of women’s football in the country. Their presence ensures talent identification and development pathways exist outside the traditional hubs, providing crucial opportunities for female athletes in the Berea region.

While they haven’t yet captured the league title dominated historically by teams like LDF Ladies FC, Kick4Life and FC Stoko, Berea Ladies has consistently been a competitive presence, often securing mid-table finishes. This consistency demonstrates their stability and commitment within a league still navigating challenges like limited resources, infrastructure and fluctuating societal support.

The club’s significance extends beyond the pitch and serve as vital role models and an inspiration for young girls in the Berea district, proving that women’s football is a viable pursuit. They contribute to the talent pool feeding the national women’s team, Mehalalitoe.

Playing their home matches within the Berea community, they foster local pride and gradually shift perceptions about women in sports. Their journey, mirroring the league’s own, is one of perseverance – building a sustainable structure, attracting players, and carving out their identity while facing the financial and logistical hurdles common in developing women’s leagues.

They remain a crucial pillar in Lesotho’s ongoing mission to establish a robust and competitive landscape for women’s football.