Lesotho women’s national team captain Boitumelo ‘Queen’ Rabale was recently crowned the Junior College-All American National Women’s Player of the Year after an impressive season for Lewis and Clark Community College.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies captain has been on a football and academic scholarship in America since 2017, and was unstoppable this past season, netting 57-goals as her side finished third in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The 23-year-old stated that she is over the moon to have won such a big award in just her second-year playing in the US and for also being named in the All-American team of the Year.

“Life in the USA has been very good, I love it here. It has been a good season for me and the intention was always to leave a mark and open doors for others. This has been the best season of my career, scoring 57-goals and 33 assists. It’s a new record for my college,” Rabale said

“I’m very happy to have won this award, I believe that it will open big opportunities for me. Things are looking very good for my future and career.”

Before leaving for the US, Rabale enjoyed a successful spell with the Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies, where she twice won the Sasol League National Championship as the captain.

The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) have since released a statement to congratulate their women’s team captain on winning the award.

“The Lesotho Football Association President, Advocate Salemane Phafane, and the executive committee congratulates Rabale on her successes in the United States of America, where she was crowned the Junior College-All American Women’s Player of the Year,” The statement said.

“Rabale has always led by example throughout her career and is a good role-model to young girls who also dream of making it big as female footballers. The football fraternity in the Mountain Kingdom is proud of her achievements.”

By Mikia Kalati