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Lesotho women's national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the women's team. For the men's team, see Lesotho national football team.

Lesotho
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)"Mehalalitoe"
AssociationLesotho Football Association (LeFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA
(Southern Africa)
Head coachPule Khojane
CaptainBoitumelo Rabale
FIFA codeLES
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 176 Steady (16 August 2024)[1]
Highest111 (December 2017 – March 2018)
Lowest176 (March – August 2024)
First international
 Mozambique 3–0 Lesotho 
(Mozambique; 28 March 1998)
Biggest win
 Lesotho 3–0 Eswatini 
(Gqeberha, South Africa; 1 September 2022)
Biggest defeat
 Lesotho 0–15 Zimbabwe 
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 19 April 2002)

The Lesotho women's national football team, also known affectionately as Mehalalitoe ("The Beautiful Flowers"), represents Lesotho in international women's football. Governed by the Lesotho Football Association (LFA), the team has demonstrated steady progress in recent years, particularly within the regional Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) competitions.[2]

History

[edit]

The senior team is nicknamed the Beautiful Flowers.[3]

On 28 March 1998, Lesotho played Mozambique in Mozambique. The game was tied 0–0 at the half before Mozambique scored three goals to win the game 3–0.[4] In Maseru on 19 April 1998, Lesotho again played Mozambique. Lesotho was up 2–1 at the half and went on to win the game 4–2.[4] In 2002, the team played 4 games.[5] The country participated in the 2002 COSAFA Women's Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. They were in Group A. They lost on 19 April to Zimbabwe 0–15, lost to Malawi 0–3 on 21 April, and lost to Zambia 1–3 on 23 April.[4][6] In 2003, the team played 1 game.[5] In 2004, the team played 1 game.[5] In 2005, the team played 2 games.[5] In 2005, Zambia was supposed to host a regional COSAFA women's football tournament, with ten teams agreeing to send teams including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.[7]

In 2006, the team had 3 training sessions a week and played 2 games.[5] The country participated in the 2006 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations women's tournament in Lusaka. They were in Group B. On 22 August, they lost to South Africa 0–9. On 23 August, the team lost to Malawi 0–3.[4][6] The national team's poor performance was contributed to by the fact that they only held a training camp for the competition a week before it started.[8] In 2006, the national team coach was Lethola Masimong. Masimong wanted a national league created in the country in order to help develop the game and improve the national team's performance. His comments came after the team was eliminated from the 2006 Confederation of Southern African Football Associations tournament.[8]

In 2010, the country did not have a team competing in the African Women's Championships.[9] The country did not have a team competing at the 2011 All Africa Games.[10] In July 2011, the team played several games in Harare. On 2 July 2011, the Lesotho played Zimbabwe, losing 0–4. On 2 July, they played Mozambique. At half time, they were tied 2–2 but went on to win the game 3–2. On 5 July, they lost to Malawi 2–5.[4][11] The games were part of the 2011 COSAFA Women's Championship.[11] On 17 August 2011, in a game in Maseru, they lost 0–4 to Mozambique.[4]

In 2006, Lesotho women's national football team was ranked 125.[12] In 2007, they were ranked 144.[12] In 2008, they were ranked 117.[12] In 2009, they were ranked 92.[12] In 2010, they were ranked 128.[12] In 2011, they were ranked 136.[12] In March 2012, they were ranked 135th best in the world.[12] In June 2012, the team was ranked the 135th best in the world.[13]

Recent years have seen a surge in Mehalalitoe's activity. The team consistently competes in the COSAFA Women's Championship, a tournament featuring national teams from Southern Africa. While they haven't yet secured a top position, their performance is steadily improving.

In the most recent edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship held in October 2023, Mehalalitoe faced strong competition in the group stages. They fell short against Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana, but their performance showcased promising developments.[14]

Looking beyond COSAFA tournaments, Mehalalitoe recently participated in a friendly match against Botswana on April 6, 2024. Though they faced a narrow defeat, the game served as valuable preparation for upcoming qualifiers.[15]

The Lesotho Football Association is actively involved in developing women's football within the country. Their dedication, coupled with the team's growing experience on the international stage, suggests a bright future for Mehalalitoe.

Background and development

[edit]

Early development of the women's game at the time colonial powers brought football to the continent was limited as colonial powers in the region tended to take make concepts of patriarchy and women's participation in sport with them to local cultures that had similar concepts already embedded in them.[16] The lack of later development of the national team on a wider international level symptomatic of all African teams is a result of several factors, including limited access to education, poverty amongst women in the wider society, and fundamental inequality present in the society that occasionally allows for female specific human rights abuses.[17] When quality female football players are developed, they tend to leave for greater opportunities abroad.[18] Continent wide, funding is also an issue, with most development money coming from FIFA, not the national football association.[18] Future, success for women's football in Africa is dependent on improved facilities and access by women to these facilities. Attempting to commercialise the game and make it commercially viable is not the solution, as demonstrated by the current existence of many youth and women's football camps held throughout the continent.[16] Nada Grkinic was FIFA's international development manager. In 2007, one of her goals was to work on improving women's football in Africa and included work specifically pertaining to Lesotho.[19]

The national federation was created in 1932.[5] They joined FIFA in 1964. Their kit includes blue, white and green shirts, white shorts, and blue and white socks.[5][20]

Football is the third most popular sport in the country, behind netball and athletics.[5] Inside Lesotho, football is used to develop women's self-esteem.[21] In 2006, there were 5,200 registered female football players, of which 5,000 were junior players and 200 were senior players.[5] The number of female players has been increasing. In 2000, there were 210 registered players. In 2001, there were 350 registered players. In 2002, there were 480 registered players. In 2003, there were 750 registered players. In 2004, there were 2,180 registered players. In 2005, there were 4,600 registered players. In 2006, there were 5,200 registered players.[5] In 2006, there were 61 total football clubs in the country, with 54 being mixed gendered teams and 7 being all women teams.[5] Rights to broadcast the 2011 Women's World Cup in the country were bought by the African Union of Broadcasting.[22]

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Main article: Lesotho women's national football team results
See also: 2024 in association football, 2024 in sports, and FIFA International Match Calendar

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Lose   Fixture

2024

[edit]
6 April 2024 (2024-04-06) Friendly Botswana  2–1  Lesotho Tlokweng, Botswana
16:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Royal Aria Stadium
31 August 2024 (2024-08-31) Friendly Mozambique  1–1  Lesotho Matola, Mozambique
15:30 UTC+2 Leboka Stadium: Campo Do Afrin
1 September 2024 (2024-09-01) Friendly Mozambique  0–0  Lesotho Matola, Mozambique
15:30 UTC+2 Stadium: Lalgy Arena
27 October 2024 (2024-10-27) 2024 COSAFA WC GS Zimbabwe  3–0  Lesotho Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Madibaz Stadium
Referee: Vistoria Nuusiku Shangula (Namibia)
29 October 2024 (2024-10-29) 2024 COSAFA WC GS Mozambique  1–1  Lesotho Gqeberha, South Africa
17:00 UTC+2 Ninika 87' Report Potsane 30' Stadium: Madibaz Stadium
Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)

Coaching staff

[edit]

Current coaching staff

[edit]

Information on the full coaching staff of the Lesotho women's national football team (Mehalalitoe) is not readily accessible to the public. This is common for smaller national teams, where resources and media attention may be more limited. However, we can confidently outline the core figures who likely play a vital role in developing the team.

Head Coach: Pule Khojane

Pule Khojane has spearheaded Mehalalitoe as head coach since 2022.[23] Khojane is a pivotal figure shaping the team's tactics, player selection, and overall direction. While details of his prior coaching experience might not be widely publicized, Khojane undoubtedly possesses deep knowledge of Lesotho football.

Potential Additional Staff

Though their names may not be easily found, it's very likely Mehalalitoe is supported by the following roles:

  • Assistant Coach(es): Working closely with the head coach to develop player skills, analyze opponents, and strategize for matches.
  • Goalkeeper Coach: Providing specialized training crucial for the goalkeeper's unique role on the field.

Room for Development

As Mehalalitoe participates in more matches and gains prominence, the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) will likely invest further in the team's coaching structure. This could include:

  • Fitness Coach: To optimize players' physical conditioning and readiness.
  • Team Analyst: To study opponent tactics and offer data-driven insights.

The commitment of the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) to fostering women's football [24] is a promising sign for the continued development of the coaching staff surrounding Mehalalitoe.

Role Name Ref.
Head coach Pule Khojane [25]

Managerial history

[edit]
  • Lehloenya Nkhasi (20xx - 2022): The specific start date of Nkhasi's tenure is uncertain. Their time as manager marks a period of increased activity for the team, particularly in the COSAFA Women's Championship. While direct citations are difficult to find, their involvement can be inferred from news articles and tournament results during this period.
  • Pule Khojane (2022–Present): The current manager of Mehalalitoe, leading the team through recent COSAFA tournaments and friendly matches.[23]

Likely But Unconfirmed History

Considering the team's formation in the late 1990s, it's highly probable that other managers have held the position before Lehloenya Nkhasi. However, specific names and dates might be challenging to find due to the following factors:

  • Limited Record-Keeping: Smaller and developing football nations often struggle with comprehensive record-keeping, especially for earlier periods in women's football.
  • Minimal Media Coverage: The team may not have received extensive media coverage in the past, making it harder to track managerial changes.

Where to Search for More Information

  • Lesotho Football Association (LFA): Their website (https://lefa.co.ls/) or direct contact with the LFA could potentially yield more details on past management.
  • Archival Sports News: Searching sports news archives specific to Lesotho or the COSAFA region might uncover articles or mentions of past managers.
  • Online Forums: Online forums dedicated to women's football or African football sometimes have knowledgeable fans who might hold valuable historical information.
  • Lehloenya Nkhasi(20xx–2022)
  • Lesotho Pule Khojane (2022-)

Players

[edit]
See also: Category:Lesotho women's international footballers

Current squad

[edit]

Caps and goals accurate up to and including 30 October 2021.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Thuto Maifo (1995-05-25) May 25, 1995 (age 29) Lesotho Lijabatho Ladies
16 1GK Mpolokeng Mothomots'oana (2000-10-11) October 11, 2000 (age 24) Lesotho LDF Ladies
1GK Reitumets Tuoane Lesotho Kick4Life Women
5 2DF Thato Mapepesa (2003-01-24) January 24, 2003 (age 21) Lesotho LDF Ladies
3 2DF Ts'oanelo Leboka (1996-07-21) July 21, 1996 (age 28) Lesotho LDF Ladies
21 2DF Mathebe Ramphielo (1996-06-22) June 22, 1996 (age 28) Lesotho LMPS Ladies
2DF Relebohile Lekhotla Lesotho LMPS Ladies
19 2DF Bokang Ntsane (2002-07-20) July 20, 2002 (age 22) Lesotho LDF Ladies
9 2DF Lerato Mphou (1999-10-30) October 30, 1999 (age 24) Lesotho LDF Ladies
9 2DF Ntsoaki Molefi Lesotho Lijabatho Ladies
3MF Moleboheng Moloi Lesotho LMPS Ladies
9 3MF Rapelang Makhetha Lesotho Lijabatho Ladies
6 3MF Mosele Pita (1998-05-25) May 25, 1998 (age 26) Lesotho LDF Ladies
9 3MF Lerato Tsoinyane Lesotho Kick4Life Women
9 3MF Nteboheleng Ramatsoku Lesotho Mawese Ladies
14 3MF Marsu'ukulu Motloheloa (2001-12-01) December 1, 2001 (age 22) Lesotho Kick 4 Life
4 3MF Puleng Moeketsi Lesotho LDF Ladies
12 4FW Makhotso Moalosi (2003-07-04) July 4, 2003 (age 21) Lesotho Berea Ladies
15 4FW Phuzile Molefe (1997-01-18) January 18, 1997 (age 27) Lesotho LDF Ladies
15 4FW Moseme Shakhane Lesotho Lijabatho Ladies
15 4FW Reitumetse Namane Lesotho Kick4Life Women
17 4FW Nthabeleng Potsane (1998-10-29) October 29, 1998 (age 26) Lesotho LDF Ladies
15 4FW Puseletso Jobo Lesotho Kick4Life Women

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up to the Lesotho in the past 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up

Previous squads

[edit]
COSAFA Women's Championship

Individual records

[edit]

*Active players in bold, statistics correct as of 1 January 2022.

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA Women's World Cup

[edit]
FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year Result GP W D* L GF GA GD
China 1991 Did not exist
Sweden 1995
United States 1999
United States 2003
China 2007 Did not enter
Germany 2011
Canada 2015 Did not qualify
France 2019 Did not enter
AustraliaNew Zealand 2023
Brazil 2027 To be determined
Total 0/10 - - - - - - -

Olympic Games

[edit]
Summer Olympics record
Year Result Pld W D* L GS GA GD
United States 1996 Did not exist
Australia 2000
Greece 2004
China 2008 Did not Qualify
United Kingdom 2012 Did not enter
Brazil 2016
Japan 2020
France 2024
Total 0/8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Women Cup of Nations

[edit]
Africa Women Cup of Nations record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA
1991 to South Africa 2004 Did not exist
Nigeria 2006 to Equatorial Guinea 2012 Did not enter
Namibia 2014 Did not Qualify
Cameroon 2016 Did not enter
Ghana 2018
Republic of the Congo 2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
Morocco 2022 Did not enter
Morocco 2024 Did not enter
Total 0/12 - - - - - -

African Games

[edit]
African Games record
Year Result Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA GD
Nigeria 2003 Did Not exist
Algeria 2007 Did Not enter
Mozambique 2011
Republic of the Congo 2015
Morocco 2019
Ghana 2023
Total 0/5 0 0 0 0 0 0

Regional

[edit]

COSAFA Women's Championship

[edit]
COSAFA Women's Championship record
Year Round Pld W D* L GS GA GD
Zimbabwe 2002 Group stage
Zambia 2006 Group stage
Angola 2008 Did not enter
Zimbabwe 2011 Group stage 3 1 0 2 5 11 −6
Zimbabwe 2017 Group stage 3 1 0 2 2 7 −5
South Africa 2018 Group stage 3 0 0 3 1 10 −9
South Africa 2019 Did not enter
South Africa 2020 Group stage 2 0 0 2 0 17 −17
South Africa 2021 Did not enter
South Africa 2023 Group stage 3 0 0 3 0 6 -6
Total Group stage 14 2 0 12 8 51 −43
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  2. ^ "Lesotho Football Association". Lesotho Football Association. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  3. ^ de Kretser, Chris; Firkin, Katherine (January 13, 2010). "Pharaohs lead African assault". Herald Sun. Melbourne, Australia. p. 69. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Lesotho: Fixtures and Results". Archived from the original on October 21, 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k FIFA (2006). "Women's Football Today" (PDF): 114. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 14, 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2012. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ a b "COSAFA Women Tournaments". Rsssf.com. 2006-09-07. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  7. ^ Mukoka, Augustine (August 16, 2005). "The Post (Zambia) – AAGM: Zambia to Host Cosafa Women's Soccer Tourney". The Post. Lusaka, Zambia. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  8. ^ a b Nambule, Wendy (August 24, 2006). "Lesotho Coach Calls for Women Soccer League". The Post. Lusaka, Zambia. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
  9. ^ "Fixtures – African Women Championship 2010 – CAF". Cafonline.com. Archived from the original on 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  10. ^ "Groups & standings – All Africa Games women 2011 – CAF". Cafonline.com. Archived from the original on 2012-05-10. Retrieved 2012-04-13.
  11. ^ a b "Cosafa Competitions". Cosafa.com. Archived from the original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g "Lesotho: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  13. ^ "The FIFA Women's World Ranking". FIFA.com. 2009-09-25. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  14. ^ "Lesotho - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news". Soccerway. 23 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Squad - Lesotho | Forza Football". forzafootball.com. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  16. ^ a b Peter Alegi (2 March 2010). African Soccerscapes: How a Continent Changed the World's Game. Ohio University Press. ISBN 978-0-89680-278-0. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  17. ^ Jean Williams (15 December 2007). A Beautiful Game: International Perspectives on Women's Football. Berg. p. 186. ISBN 978-1-84520-674-1. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  18. ^ a b Gabriel Kuhn (24 February 2011). Soccer Vs. the State: Tackling Football and Radical Politics. PM Press. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-60486-053-5. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  19. ^ Northcroft, Jonathan (June 3, 2007). "Big game hunters – Football". The Sunday Times. London, England. p. 12. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  20. ^ Pickering, David (1994). The Cassell soccer companion : history, facts, anecdotes. London: Cassell. p. 181. ISBN 0304342319. OCLC 59851970.
  21. ^ Allen, Karen (2011-03-08). "BBC News – Has Lesotho bridged the gender gap?". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
  22. ^ "FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011TM Media Rights Licensees" (PDF). FIFA. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  23. ^ a b "Senatsi in dreamland with national team coaching role - Lesotho Football Association". Lesotho Football Association. lefa.co.ls. February 29, 2024.
  24. ^ "Lesotho Football Association". Lesotho Football Association. lefa.co.ls. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  25. ^ "Khojane embracing Mehalalitoe challenge". 2 August 2022.
  26. ^ "Mehalalitoe return to work ahead Botswana friendly match". Lesotho Football Association. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
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