…as he targets to topple “undisputed” LDF Ladies
Leemisa Thuseho
FORMER Matlama coach, Molebatsi Mothobi, is making impressive strides in his first season in the Women Super League (WSL), where he is in charge of Lijabatho Ladies.
Mothobi, who won the Premier League with Matlama in the 2021/22 season, holds a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Coaching Licence.
He has also coached several teams in men’s football, including Lijabatho’s men’s side, LMPS, Linare, Sefotha-fotha, Maroala and Thaba-Tseka-based A Division outfit Rangers.
However, ahead of the current season, he took a new direction in his coaching career by accepting the challenge of leading Lijabatho Ladies.
He has made an impressive start, guiding the side to five victories in as many matches. Even more remarkable is their defensive record, having yet to concede a goal while scoring 12 in the process.
Lijabatho currently sit second in the league standings with 15 points, three behind leaders and defending champions LDF Ladies, although they have a game in hand.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times this week, Mothobi said coaching in women’s football represents an important step in his professional growth, adding that he is enjoying the challenge.
“It’s a challenging experience, but I enjoy it,” Mothobi said.
“I have been involved in women’s football before, but officially coaching a women’s team is a first for me. We all know that the way women approach football is not the same. Their physicality and body structure are different from those of men, but this challenge is how you measure your growth as a coach.”
Mothobi said he was particularly impressed with his players’ commitment and determination. Although the campaign is still in its early stages, he has made no secret of his ambition to win the league title.
“I won the league with Matlama in 2022, and it has been a long time since then. Personally, I want the title, and the players also know that is our mandate.
“Even our record of not conceding a goal forms part of our target. We have told ourselves that we would rather play to a goalless draw than win a game after conceding goals,” he said.
Lijabatho’s next assignment is a mouth-watering encounter against title rivals LDF Ladies at Ratjomose on Sunday.
The match is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend, with Mothobi’s side looking to close the gap on the league leaders.
The coach said his players were ready for the encounter and confirmed that he had a fully fit squad at his disposal.
“I think we are ready for the game. What needs to happen is for the players to adjust and be mentally prepared.
“However, although we want the three points, winning this game will not guarantee us much because we are still in the first round. The league has been extended to three rounds, meaning every team will still face each other twice before the campaign is completed,” Mothobi said.
The WSL management recently changed the competition format from two rounds to three, giving teams more opportunities to compete against one another before the season concludes.
