Lebogang Mabatle still hurting from pre-2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup events

She found herself in the middle of a storm after being called up as a replacement player when the World Cup-bound team refused to honour a friendly against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium due to a pay dispute, choice of opposition and selected match venue.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, University of Pretoria, and Tshwane University of Technology player, who captained the young squad that lost 5-0 on the day, says the situation tore her apart.

“I knew one day this question will come. What happened that day is unforgettable and came with a cost of either being broken as a player, losing friends from the national team, or taking lots of criticism,” Mabatle told SABC Sport from Marrakesh.

“But I was in a very difficult position, and I stepped on that pitch knowing the consequences – and not that I wanted to find my way back into the national team.

“The way those young girls [replacement players] looked at me in the changing room, that’s what made me play that game. They wanted to play with all their hearts and me not playing was going to break their hearts to the core. 

“I mean, some might not even be called back to the national team, and their careers could end without them donning that jersey again. So, who was I to deny them that opportunity? 

“Most of them watched the Hollywoodbets Super League and saw me leading TUT and they believed in me.”

After being capped 13 times, the 32-year-old defender, currently on the books of Phoenix Football Féminin Marrakech in the Premier Division of Women’s Football, hasn’t ruled out a return to the national team.

“Let's just say every player wants to represent his or her country, as long as age is still good. If I get a call up, I will honour it, if I don't, life goes on,” she stated.

By Matlhomola Morake