By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
Bokang Ntsane, a rising star for Mehalalitoe, has made a significant impact on the field despite her youth. At the age of 22, she has emerged as one of Lesotho’s most promising football talents, showcasing her energy and resilience as a defender in both the domestic league and regional competitions.
Following her outstanding performance in the 2024 Hollywood Bets COSAFA Women’s Championship, where she was awarded Player of the Match against Mozambique, Ntsane shared insights about the team’s journey, the obstacles they encountered, and her ambitions to elevate her game further.
Her remarkable performances during the tournament earned her a spot in the COSAFA 2024 Group Stage Best, a selection that was largely influenced by the strong showings of South Africa and Zambia, who ultimately faced each other in the final.
Although the team faced an early exit from the COSAFA tournament, Ntsane highlighted the unity and determination exhibited by her teammates. She noted the formidable competition they encountered in a challenging group that included Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The team fought tenaciously, managing to secure a draw against Mozambique in their final match, although they were unable to progress. For Ntsane, the experience was more focused on personal and collective growth rather than the final outcome.
“This year we were fighting as a team,” Ntsane remarked. “We collaborated effectively and truly gave our all, even when facing more experienced teams, but we put up a commendable fight.”
Ntsane believes that this spirit of teamwork is laying the groundwork for a bright future. While Mehalalitoe still has opportunities for technical and tactical enhancement, she is confident that their commitment and passion will drive them forward.
Ntsane has experienced a swift ascent to prominence, characterized by her unwavering determination and an insatiable desire for improvement. Her agility, speed, and tactical acumen on the field have garnered her recognition at COSAFA, where she was honored as Player of the Match against Mozambique, as well as in Lesotho’s Women’s Super League (WSL), where she consistently distinguishes herself as one of the premier defenders.
Receiving the Player of the Match accolade on a regional platform is a significant milestone in Ntsane’s career. “I am over the moon, this is the best feeling ever,” she expressed. “Glory be to God and the support from my family, who have truly motivated me to strive for excellence; this is the outcome of that hard work. I also extend my gratitude to my teammates, the technical staff, and my coaches from my club.”
Following her impressive performance at COSAFA, Ntsane is beginning to draw interest from clubs beyond Lesotho—a development that fills her with both excitement and humility. She aspires to explore international playing opportunities, believing that such experiences will not only enhance her skills but also contribute positively to the future of Mehalalitoe.
“Yes, there has been interest, and I hope there will be more teams because it is my desire to play in other countries and gain further experience,” Ntsane remarked. “I hope that more teams will show interest, especially after COSAFA, as many have recognized our talent and skills.”
For Ntsane, pursuing an international career is not merely a personal ambition; it represents an opportunity to elevate Lesotho’s standing in women’s football and to inspire other young girls who dream of following her path.
Now back home, Ntsane’s immediate attention returns to her club, the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), where she and her teammates are focused on defending their league title. It seems that Ntsane’s journey is just beginning, and her spirit embodies the qualities necessary to elevate Mehalalitoe’s profile in the sport.