Lesotho Football Association Mehalalitoe coach Shalane Lehohla says his team’s readiness for the COSAFA Women’s Championship will be tested when they take to the field against Angola in their opening fixture on Wednesday.
Lesotho and Angola face-off in the opening fixture off the regional tourney at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 12h00.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Shalane stated that their preparations haven’t been smooth sailing but believes their opening fixture will give a picture of how far they will go in the tournament.
“We have had a little bit of challenges, but I think we are ready for the tournament. Despite having those challenges, we have addressed issues that we didn’t address in the previous tournament,” Lehohla said.
“All we have to wait for is for the games to kick-off because that will be the real test. You can’t say you are well prepared or well-armed if you haven’t played the games. So, come tomorrow’s match and we will say more.”
Shalane admitted that his charges will have to come to the party in all the matches as they are in a tough group that has previous winners of the competition in Malawi and South Africa.
“It’s just a matter of looking at our strengths and weaknesses. We should focus on what we have already and yes, we know they are bigger teams, bigger countries but we have our own strengths too and it’s just a matter of focusing on what we have and make sure we utilize it appropriately,” the Mehalalitoe coach said.
“The respect we have for them doesn’t mean fear. So, it’s a matter of saying, let’s go out there and apply ourselves appropriately and win every game.
“I think it will be important for our players to start the tournament with a win because this is a new team as ten of the players, we had during a friendly match against Malawi late last year are not here. They are not here because of military recruitment training, and our team has new faces all together.
“So, I think for them to be exposed to such a tournament will be a big, big dream for them. They just have to go out there and apply themselves,” he said.
