Democratic Republic of Congo-based forward, Kgaelebane Montebatsi Mohlakoana says she is excited to be back in the national team fold and representing her country again after a long absence.
The 31-year-old, who is currently registered with TP Mazembe, made her debut for the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana back in 2018 at the Cyprus Women’s Cup in a clash against Slovakia – she came on in the 64th minute as a substitute for Leandra Smeda.
But she has been missing in recent times and hasn’t donned the national team jersey in the last six years, until recently when she was called up for the two friendly matches against Malawi in April.
“Before the Malawi game I was last in the team in 2019/2020 before Covid, since then I have never been called up, so getting that call was something exciting. To be honest, I did not expect it, but it was a good feeling that I got the chance to represent my country again. It was an awesome feeling, and I am looking forward to many more games,” said a beaming Mohlakoana.
“I am just happy that coach has recalled me after a long time. I am looking forward to being here, doing what I need to be doing and also the coaches expect me to be doing. Returning to the squad very exciting because I met players I used to play with back then, the likes of Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana.”
Outside the current and some former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players, Mohlakoana is the only South African with a TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League medal which she won with her current employers in the 2024 edition.
They defeated AS FAR 1-0 in an exciting final.
She is hoping that use that experience at the national team.
“Champions League experience will help me a lot here at Banyana as we met teams that have a lot of experience too and we learnt a lot from there – this will definitely be crucial when I represent my country,” added Mohlakoana.
After the Malawi matches, the lanky and quite player was recalled for the Three Nations Challenge which featured South Africa, Botswana and Zambia as part of preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
She has been named in the final preliminary squad of 28 after Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis trimmed down the initial preliminary squad of 46. Mohlakoana hopes to make the trip to Morocco to help the African Champions defend their title – she last played in this tournament in 2018 in Ghana.
Other members of the team who were present in that squad that are in the current team include Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Lebohang Ramalepe, Kaylin Swart and Andile Dlamini.
Defender Tiisetso Makhubela was on standby and did not make it to North Africa.
“I now have to work hard to ensure to ensure I make the final squad. I was part of the 2018 squad in Ghana where we finished second. So, I am looking forward to going there as a champion and defend the trophy,” said Mohlakoana.
Born in Masilo, Theunissen in the Free State Province, the forward started her football career with a club called Amagluglug in 2013, before moving to Kutlwanong Ladies in Odendaalrus (Free State).
Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies spotted her there, and she then reloaded to KwaZulu Natal to join Royal AM when the club changed ownership, eventually ending up in the DR Congo, playing for TP Mazembe in the LINAFF or the Ligue Nationale de Football Féminin (Congolese Women’s Championship).
She is currently back in Central Africa and will return when Banyana assemble for the last training camp where the 21 players going to North Africa will be announced.
By Matlhomola Morake
