Thato Letsoso will be a key figure as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies look to continue with their domination on the local front, as well as on the continent, as the new season approaches. The defender has outlined what she is hoping to achieve in the year ahead.
The Banyana Banyana player also harbours dreams of playing at a Women’s World Cup, something that could still happen given her ability with her skills along with her leadership qualities.
The Bloemfontein-born star also boasts an impressive academic pedigree, having graduated with a BA Honours in Sports Management, a degree in Sports Psychology, as well as a Diploma in Kinesiology.
In her personal time, the 27-year-old is someone who also enjoys some off-field self-care as she loves trying out new restaurants, and is an avid reader who attends a book club.
The on-field priorities for this season will be another campaign where Letsoso is already eyeing back-to-back CAF Women’s Champions League titles, as well continue being successful in South Africa’s domestic competitions.
Skipper of the South African Women’s National team that she guided to guided victory in the COSAFA champs, Letsoso feels that the game is going in the right direction, but feels more needs to be done.
Thato Letsoso speaks with Alicia Pillay about what her hopes for what the 2024 season will bring her team, as well as the personal dreams she wants to realise as a top football player in the country.
Thato, 2023 was another successful year for you and the team.. What was the key to your success on the field?
The key to success was commitment, every single person in the team showed commitment. Everyone wants to do their job, and they want to be the best at it.
How did your football journey begin?
I grew up very close to my brother, and he used to play soccer, so I would always just play with him, until I took it a little serious mid-primary school.
Who is your biggest inspiration on or off the field?
This has to Amanda Dlamini for me, I love how she just masters everything she touches. I love her work-rate and she makes it look possible for female athletes that want to excel in the sports industry.
The here has been a big improvement of women’s football in the local front, what are your thoughts on where the women’s game is and what still needs to be improved?
It is certainly moving in the right direction but the women’s game still has a long way to go. If the game can maybe they can professionalise the local league, that will give teams financial resources that will eventually improve the quality of the game.
Last season Mamelodi Sundowns ladies won the treble, how do you plan on making sure they keeping winning trophies this season?
We have to work harder, we have to dominate again this season and we can do that by great preparations, both mentally and physically. We take each game one step at a time.
What goals have you set for 2024?
I hope to become consistent and also remain injury free for the season ahead injury free. My biggest will be to retain the CAF Women’s Champions league, and win back-to back African titles.
What advice would you give to rising girl players who want to make it big?
My advice would be to allow yourself to make mistakes in your journey. It’s also important to remember that if you take chance, it will help you grow as a soccer player.
What you think is the some of the reasons that makes Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies a successful team and a leader in women’s football?
There are a few factors that can be spoken about when it comes to this. The professional setup at Mamelodi Sundowns gives the team a little advantage compared to other teams we play against. Everything we do is of high quality!
What do you when you aren’t playing football?
I love to eat out and I’m always keen on trying out new restaurants. I also enjoy reading and I attended book club.
What’s your greatest ambition?
My ambition is to continuously improve and learn as much as I can, so that I can help others that are coming in the football space. Featuring in the World Cup would be the greatest one though.
Main Photo Caption: Thato Letsoso is a real gem when it comes to women’s football, the Banyana Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Player widely regarded a big asset. The Bloem-born defender fields gsport’s questions about her sparkling achievements as a pro footballer. Photo: All photos supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Thato’s biggest inspiration? “Amanda Dlamini for me, I love how she just masters everything she touches. I love her work-rate, she makes it look possible for female athletes.” Photo: All photos supplied
Photo 3 Caption: Thato’s advice for youngsters? “Allow yourself to make mistakes in your journey. It’s important to remember that if you take chance, it will help you grow as a soccer player.” Photo: All photos supplied
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
