Mohloai Mpesi
The Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) ladies team has set a new record in their Super Women’s League race after staging 14 of league games without conceding a goal.
LDF which was defending their 2017/18 league title was again crowned the SWL champions on Saturday at the Ratjomose playground after humiliating Sky Battalion 10-0 score margin.
LDF scored 42 points and a maximum of 78 goals with the club’s trusted striker Kholu Lebakeng proving her worth after scoring 25 goals and attaining the top goal scorer titled.
The club’s assistant coach, Lire Phiri, shared with Newsday Sports that his side was determined from the beginning of the league.
Phiri took the steering wheel after the club’s head coach; Lehloenya Nkhasi was suspended at the 11th game when the club was locking horns with Kick4Life.
“We are very happy indeed. It is all through hard work. We were determined from the onset, and we had good preparations,” Phiri said.
He confessed that the record they have set is going to put his side under immense pressure next season as they are duty bound to maintain it.
He further mentioned the rapid growth of the local teams anticipating a challenge next season.
“It is a record which is going to weigh a lot of pressure on us next season. I have realised a change in our local competition. Teams have improved on every game and it means that they are doing their assignments,” he said.
“I am afraid there might be a lot of competition next season as every coach will go all out. Being defeated is not enjoyable and everyone wants to be a winner. It also means they are studying and willing to improve their standard,” he said.
“But, as LDF coaches, it doesn’t mean we will be watching. We will also be fighting as we have to defend the title. We are going to work harder,” said Phiri.
“Our secret is hard work, commitment and dedication. We work together all the time and we sit down to solve problems wherever we encounter problems,” he said.
“Women are not difficult to train. They are not troublesome and they understand very quickly. I had to take over as a coach and it was not difficult to work with these ladies,” Phiri said.
LDF’s highest score in the league was when the barracks side thrashed the Mohale’s hoek based Sky Battalion 12-0.
LDF won the International Friendly tournament a fortnight ago in Ladybrand as they beat the South Africa’s number one team, Bloemfontein Women’s club, Bloemfontein Celtics Ladies.
This month’s glory goes to the barracks as LDF’s three club has trophies in their cabinet.
LDF FC won the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) Top 8 a fortnight ago after beating the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) 2-1 in the finals.
LDF, ‘Liqhomane’, rugby team also joined the winning party as they scooped the National championship title against Giants two weeks back after a tight 16-15 win score margin.
