Lesotho coach Monaheng Montso has begun his preparations for the 2017 COSAFA Women’s Championships as they side prepare to meet South Africa in a friendly this coming weekend.
Lesotho will take part in the regional showpiece tournament that will be staged in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe from September 13-24.
They have been drawn in Group C alongside the powerful South Africans, Namibia and Botswana.
Preparations have already begun for the tournament, though Montso says these have not been without challenges.
“We have started our preparations, but some of our players have not reported to camp due to work commitments,” Montso told the Sunday Express. “We have written to their bosses and we hope they will join us next week. “We will play Banyana Banyana (South Africa) this weekend in Johannesburg.”
The second round of the national women’s league started earlier this month, which has given Montso the opportunity to pick his squad for the COSAFA Women’s Championships on form.
“The women’s league is very helpful because the players are in good condition and the competition is there, so it makes our jobs easier,” he said.
The Mehalalitoe squad for the tournament includes a number of experienced names, including South Africa-based Boitumelo Rabale, who plays for Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies.
Lesotho will open their campaign at the 2017 COSAFA Women’s Championships against South Africa (September 14), followed by matches against Botswana (September 16) and Namibia (September 18).
All of those matches will be played at the Luveve Stadium.
Lesotho squad:
Goalkeepers: Mosilinyane Lefaphane (Kick4Life), Thato Maifo (LDF), Boitumelo Nkeane (Sky Batalian)
Defenders: Hlompho Ramalefane (Rovers), Rethabile Ntobo (Kick4Life), Mosili Motsoeneng, Lerato K’heme, Nkotso Mapota (all LDF), Macheche Matlamela (Basetsana)
Midfielders: Boitumelo Rabale (Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies), Palesa Mpeta, Ntsabeng Peleha (both LDF), Kefouoe Maka, Thato Sentle, Makobo Kepa (all Kick4Life), Mafusi Phezulu (Basetsana)
Strikers: Relebohile Akhente, Litseoane Maloro (Kick4Life), Kholu Lebakeng (LDF), Nteboheleng Sekake (Berea Ladies)
