Rabale wins big in America
Mehalalitoe captain Boitumelo “Queen” Rabale was on Saturday night crowned the Junior College-All American National Women’s player of the Year after an impressive year 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 last season netting 57-goals, as her side finished third in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The 23-year old admitted that the standard of College football in the USA is not as competitive as in South Africa, where she twice led the Celtic Ladies to the Sasol League National Championship, but she has been enjoying her football playing for Lewis and Clark Community College.
“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 more Basotho football players. This has been the best season of my career, scoring 57-goals and getting 33 assists. It’s a new record for my college,” Rabale told the LeFA website.
“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.
“Queen”, as Rabale is affectionately known, says both Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns have made enquiries about bringing her back to South Africa, but her dream is to play in China.
“The standard in South Africa is a bit higher than the college football in America and the playing style is different, which is something I also miss. However, I want to continue playing abroad because they have better opportunities that will improve me as a player and as person.
“Celtic still wants me to comeback to them and to be honest, I miss the club. Mamelodi Sundowns have also shown interest, but I’m not ready to comeback, I want to play in China,” the Mehalalitoe skipper said
“The opportunity to come here (USA) to study has also helped me to prepare for life after football, which is a rare opportunity for a football player. I will forever be grateful because it’s going to help me a lot once my playing days are over,” she said.
