Leemisa Thuseho
BEREA Ladies coach, Lehloenya Nkhasi, has expressed concern over the club’s continued loss of key players to rival Women’s Super League (WSL) teams but remains confident the future is bright with the current squad.
Berea Ladies successfully defended the Women’s Alliance Challenge Cup over the weekend, defeating LCS Ladies 2-1 in the final at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena. The victory saw Berea retain the title they won in the tournament’s inaugural edition last year.
Although pleased with the result, Nkhasi admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly in front of goal.
“I am not 100 percent happy with the performance, but we should remember this is a pre-season tournament. We have lost some players and our combinations in attack were not as good as they should be,” Nkhasi said.
“There are some new players in the team whom we gave an opportunity, and I am happy with the progress they have shown. That is what matters most at this stage.
“Although we failed to convert many of our chances, what makes me happy is that we were able to create numerous scoring opportunities. Going forward, we need to improve our finishing, and that gives me confidence ahead of the new season.”
Nkhasi said the club’s progress has been hampered by the continued departure of key players, particularly attackers, to rival clubs.
Among those who have left is ‘Makhotso Moalosi, who joined LDF Ladies last season and went on to establish herself as one of the club’s leading strikers. Moalosi is also a key player for the senior national women’s team, Mehalalitoe.
The club has also lost experienced forward Phuzile Molefe, further weakening its attacking options.
“Since last season we have been losing key players from our frontline. First it was Moalosi, who joined LDF Ladies and became one of their top strikers. Now we have also lost Phuzile, so it is a work in progress to address those departures and find players who can fill the void they have left,” Nkhasi said.
Berea could lose even more influential players, with Ketleho Mafekera, Limpho Nthako and Itumeleng ‘Molotsi reportedly on the verge of joining LDF Ladies.
Mafekera and Nthako were among Berea’s standout performers during the Alliance Challenge Cup. Mafekera finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer with two goals alongside LCS Ladies’ Reitumetse Mpeka, while Nthako was named Player of the Tournament, underlining their importance to the team.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his squad, Nkhasi believes Berea Ladies are making steady progress and remains optimistic they are on the right path ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
