14 Aug 2023

The senior national women football team, The Mares, defeated Lesotho 4-1 in a friendly game in Gaborone on Saturday.

The four goals were netted by Lone Gaofetoge, Laone Moloi and Keitumetse Dithebe (brace).

In the first game, the two sides played to a one-all draw, but in the second one, the Mares were a better side. Coach Gaolethoo Nkutllwisang fielded her tried and tested team in the second game.

She said in an interview that she was happy with the players’ performance especially in the second game because they managed to connect.

“Compared to our first game, we managed to start the ball at the back going wide, so generally I think we played much better,” she added.

Nkutlwisang said they were using the friendly game to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers and COSAFA Cup, adding that a lot still needed to be done in terms of organising more friendly games for the team.

For his part, Lesotho coach, Pule Gojane said he was happy with how his players handled the Mares in their first game.

He said the two sides gave the spectators cream of women’s football, adding that his team started sluggish owing it to fatigue given that they were travelling the whole night.

Gojane said in the second game, the players did not come to the party, adding that they had identified their weakness and they would work on them.

The coach said the 4-1 score margin was disappointing, but the most important thing would be to motivate his side not to lose confidence.

He, however, said despite losing 4-1, Lesotho was making strides in women’s football, adding they were now focusing on women football.

“We are trying to focus on development and coaches education,” he said. “Currently we are certified coaches who are in charge of women’s football, that is why we are becoming better.”

Like other countries, he said their ambition was to qualify for major games, adding that their other goal was to play well and

entertain spectators.  Ends