Lesotho women's national football team

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2018)

Lesotho

Nickname(s)	"Mehalalitoe"
Association	Lesotho Football Association (LeFA)
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Pule Khojane
Captain	Boitumelo Rabale
FIFA code	LES
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	176 (16 August 2024)[1]
Highest	111 (December 2017 – March 2018)
Lowest	176 (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]

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.

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]

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

Botswana  v  Lesotho

6 April 2024 (2024-04-06) Friendly	Botswana	2–1	Lesotho	Tlokweng, Botswana
16:00 UTC+2	Moloi 32' Dithebe 48'		Ts'oaeli 73'	Stadium: Royal Aria Stadium

Mozambique  v  Lesotho

31 August 2024 (2024-08-31) Friendly	Mozambique	1–1	Lesotho	Matola, Mozambique
15:30 UTC+2			Leboka	Stadium: Campo Do Afrin

Mozambique  v  Lesotho

1 September 2024 (2024-09-01) Friendly	Mozambique	0–0	Lesotho	Matola, Mozambique
15:30 UTC+2				Stadium: Lalgy Arena

Zimbabwe  v  Lesotho

27 October 2024 (2024-10-27) 2024 COSAFA WC GS	Zimbabwe	3–0	Lesotho	Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2	Chinyerere 60', 90+2' Katona 69'	Report		Stadium: Madibaz Stadium Referee: Vistoria Nuusiku Shangula (Namibia)

Mozambique  v  Lesotho

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)

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020)

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.

• 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.

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020)

• Lehloenya Nkhasi(20xx–2022)
• Pule Khojane (2022-)

• The following players were named in April 2024 for Friendly against  Botswana.^[26]

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)			Lijabatho Ladies
16	1GK	Mpolokeng Mothomots'oana	(2000-10-11) October 11, 2000 (age 24)			LDF Ladies
	1GK	Reitumets Tuoane				Kick4Life Women
5	2DF	Thato Mapepesa	(2003-01-24) January 24, 2003 (age 21)			LDF Ladies
3	2DF	Ts'oanelo Leboka	(1996-07-21) July 21, 1996 (age 28)			LDF Ladies
21	2DF	Mathebe Ramphielo	(1996-06-22) June 22, 1996 (age 28)			LMPS Ladies
	2DF	Relebohile Lekhotla				LMPS Ladies
19	2DF	Bokang Ntsane	(2002-07-20) July 20, 2002 (age 22)			LDF Ladies
9	2DF	Lerato Mphou	(1999-10-30) October 30, 1999 (age 25)			LDF Ladies
9	2DF	Ntsoaki Molefi				Lijabatho Ladies
	3MF	Moleboheng Moloi				LMPS Ladies
9	3MF	Rapelang Makhetha				Lijabatho Ladies
6	3MF	Mosele Pita	(1998-05-25) May 25, 1998 (age 26)			LDF Ladies
9	3MF	Lerato Tsoinyane				Kick4Life Women
9	3MF	Nteboheleng Ramatsoku				Mawese Ladies
14	3MF	Marsu'ukulu Motloheloa	(2001-12-01) December 1, 2001 (age 22)			Kick 4 Life
4	3MF	Puleng Moeketsi				LDF Ladies
12	4FW	Makhotso Moalosi	(2003-07-04) July 4, 2003 (age 21)			Berea Ladies
15	4FW	Phuzile Molefe	(1997-01-18) January 18, 1997 (age 27)			LDF Ladies
15	4FW	Moseme Shakhane				Lijabatho Ladies
15	4FW	Reitumetse Namane				Kick4Life Women
17	4FW	Nthabeleng Potsane	(1998-10-29) October 29, 1998 (age 26)			LDF Ladies
15	4FW	Puseletso Jobo				Kick4Life Women

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

COSAFA Women's Championship

• 2022 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
• 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship squad

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

Most capped players [edit] This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020) # Player Year(s) Caps

Top goalscorers [edit] This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2020) # Player Year(s) Goals Caps

FIFA Women's World Cup record
Year	Result	GP	W	D*	L	GF	GA	GD
1991	Did not exist
1995
1999
2003
2007	Did not enter
2011
2015	Did not qualify
2019	Did not enter
2023
2027	To be determined
Total	0/10	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Summer Olympics record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D*	L	GS	GA	GD
1996	Did not exist
2000
2004
2008	Did not Qualify
2012	Did not enter
2016
2020
2024
Total	0/8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Women Cup of Nations record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA
1991 to 2004	Did not exist
2006 to 2012	Did not enter
2014	Did not Qualify
2016	Did not enter
2018
2020	Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
2022	Did not enter
2024	Did not enter
Total	0/12	-	-	-	-	-	-

African Games record
Year	Result	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	GF	GA	GD
2003	Did Not exist
2007	Did Not enter
2011
2015
2019
2023
Total	0/5	0	0	0	0	0	0

COSAFA Women's Championship record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GS	GA	GD
2002	Group stage
2006	Group stage
2008	Did not enter
2011	Group stage	3	1	0	2	5	11	−6
2017	Group stage	3	1	0	2	2	7	−5
2018	Group stage	3	0	0	3	1	10	−9
2019	Did not enter
2020	Group stage	2	0	0	2	0	17	−17
2021	Did not enter
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.

• Sport in Lesotho
  • Football in Lesotho
    • Women's football in Lesotho
• Lesotho women's national under-17 team
• Lesotho women's national under-20 team
• Lesotho men's national football team

• Official Lesotho Football Association website (in English)