Talented
left back, Lena Mosebo, is one of the longest serving members of the South
African senior women’s soccer team, Banyana Banyana, having made her national
debut as a teenager back in 2001.
This super
fit 22-year-old Welkom resident is passionate about soccer and is said to be
the best player at left back in the national team.
Her coach
Augustine Makalakalane admits he would be stumped if she was ever injured and
unavailable for national duty.
Makalakalane
describes Lena as a beautiful, educated left
footer, and a humble player, with good character.
"She is a short,
stocky, tough girl, who is physical and very mobile for a woman. She has a good
tactical approach, she takes instruction well, and she can play with anyone.
"I’ve used her
a few times on the left wing when I felt I needed someone with her mobility,
speed, and tough tackling.
But Lena is always willing to learn and we hear this rising
national star is also a superb goalkeeper.
Makalakalane
says: "I played one game where my goalkeeper was given a red card. Tactically I
didn’t want to use another goalkeeper so we just used her (Lena)
in goals. Guess what, she became man of the match in that game as a keeper, instead
of being a player in the field. She is my best left back but that’s the talent
she has with her height – she can do a lot."
Lena, who
plays club soccer for the Tuks women’s team, is known to always give 100
percent when she plays and she expects that of her team mates, too.
Tuks
women’s coach, Sello Mokoena told gsport that Lena’s
presence in the team motivates the young players to do well.
"Lena is one of our best players. She is a natural player
in terms of playing with the left foot so she is an asset to the team.
"We often
give players an opportunity to coach young players. With the likes of Lena around the youngsters to guide them, it becomes even
easier for them to adjust to that level."
This June
Lena spent a few weeks on trial at Sky Blue Football Club in Atlanta and there’s no doubt she is keen to
follow in her hero, Portia Modise’s footsteps and secure an international
contract.
Lena, who is an action movie fanatic, says her greatest ambition
is playing in a World Cup.
Introducing
gsport’s October gSTAR, Banyana Banyana’s star left back, Lena Mosebo!
How long have you been playing
soccer?
For a long
time, I think it’s about 12 years now.
How did people react when they heard
you liked soccer?
They didn’t
like it but after a while they saw the way I played and they started to like
it. Then, they started supporting me, and encouraging me to play soccer.
What do you enjoy most about playing
left back?
I like when
you mark people, they don’t pass you. I like preventing people from scoring
goals.
When did you make your national
debut?
I was
playing the under-19s in 2001 and then, at the same time, I got selected for
Banyana Banyana
Who do you play for at club level?
I play for
the Tuks Women’s team
Have you played internationally?
I went to New Jersey in June to
play for Sky Blue Football Club for two weeks. I really enjoyed it. I like how
they play, they’re very professional, and lots of fans come to watch soccer. I
also went to Germany
in 2005 with the under-19 High Performance Centre team. It was a training camp
for two weeks. We played with the girls from Germany. It’s nice to be outside
the country and learn how other people play football.
What do you enjoy most about playing
soccer?
I like to
play soccer and entertain people. I want people to have fun when they watch me.
Its nice to be part of the Banyana Banyana team.
How do you enjoy working under coach
Augustine Makalakalane?
I like the
way he coaches. He is a very disciplined coach. I like the way he trains; he
pushes us hard in our training sessions and shows us how to take on players. He
has got good techniques.
What have been some of your
achievements?
They
selected me for the FIFA/CAF African team last year when I was in Nigeria. I was
really excited?
What is the biggest challenge being
a female soccer player?
The biggest
challenge is that in women’s soccer they don’t pay like they pay the male
football players. We also need to play more games.
What would you like to do when you
stop playing soccer?
I like to
play until I am 38 … laughs!
How do you relax?
I like
watching action movies and spending time with my friends.
What advice do you have for young
girls who want to one day play for South Africa?
I can say
to them, they must be patient and wait; they must not rush to get what they
want. They must work hard and they will one day get there.
Who is your favourite soccer player
and why?
I like
Formiga from Brazil.
The men’s side, I like Stephen Pienaar.
What other sports do you enjoy?
I like
wrestling, tennis, and also, cricket
How can we improve the state of
women’s soccer in South
Africa?
Women in South Africa
must support us. We don’t only want men to come to the games. We only have a
few supporters, and we don’t see many women in the stands.
gsport strives to celebrate
femininity. How would you define femininity? How do you celebrate being a
woman?
I like the
way I am. It’s nice to be a woman.
Who inspires you?
I get
support from my family and my friends. They always watch my games when they
have time to come to Pretoria
and I appreciate that.
Who are your role models?
I look up
to Portia Modise. I like the way she is on the field and off the field. She is
disciplined and I like the way she performs on the field of play. She is a big
star. I want to be like her.
What is your greatest ambition?
I want to
play overseas and one day they must select me in a World Cup squad. I want to
go to a World Cup.
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