Sports

Football in a post-Covid era

Published

3 years ago

November 30, 2021

MASERU – The Covid-19 crisis is not just a threat to public health, it has toppled economies, caused disruptions to football across the globe with leagues and tournaments being suspended. For more than a year, the revenue streams of clubs and sports federations have been significantly affected by the absence of fans in stadiums. The LeFA Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi sat down with the association’s media team to reflect on how the football body stood tall in the midst of the pandemic, and this is part of the wide ranging interview first published on LeFA’s website.
Take us through the year 2021 as the head of Secretariat at the Lesotho Football Association.

2021 has been the most interesting year of the past two years that we have been operating in this unusual era. You will recall that in 2020, when the pandemic started, the whole world was quite novitiate under the circumstances. Sport comprises of two features; it is the on the field activities and off the field activities.

By now you know that the World Health Organisation in 2020 declared a pandemic and advised all countries to lock down all those activities and events that were deemed to be exacerbating the spread of the virus. In the same vein, the Lesotho Football Association responded by suspending sport activities under its auspices.

LeFA then realising that sport would not be able to survive the pandemic and or recover from the effects of the pandemic, embarked on a return to football as early as May 2020. Coming back to the crux after the background, 2021 has been a very jam-packed year on and off the field of play. To align with the current challenges, LeFA developed a strategic plan aptly termed ‘The New Dawn.’

The New Dawn calls for the continuum of the LeFA mandate during the pandemic. It also calls for the adherence to Covid-19 compliance and mitigation strategies rolled out by the Government of Lesotho. This is the reason why most of our activities are based on strict compliance whether it’s on the field activities or off the field activities. Comparatively, I strongly believe that LeFA has outshone similar organisations in the country. LeFA has held by far the most number of sporting activities pursuant to its mandate.

It’s been very difficult two years for sports in general in the country due to the pandemic. However, LeFA unlike other federations still managed to go ahead with majority of its programmes. How did you manage?
LeFA managed to be at the forefront because at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic the organisation undertook research about the pandemic and what direction the pandemic was going to take. You will recall that LeFA was among the first organisations to have documented protocols aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus. You will recall that LeFA was the first organisation to set up ‘safe training environments’ or what is known as ‘bubbles.’

Before the ‘safe training environments’ were implemented, LeFA trained the two senior national teams (men and women) on the effects of the coronavirus and how to minimise the risk of infection. This was followed by an aggressive training programme given to what we then referred to as Compliance Officers from the teams and the Association Secretariat. Almost everything that LeFA does takes into cognisance the mitigation aspect with regards to the coronavirus.

Subsequently, the LeFA leadership is aware that life with the coronavirus and its induced Covid-19 pandemic will continue for some years to come, with this in mind, LeFA also realised that it has obligations towards its mandate which is to develop, regulate and promote to game of football locally and internationally. It is therefore correct to say as the biggest sporting code in the country, it is therefore befitting for LeFA to show the other smaller sport bodies that with the coronavirus and under the Covid-19 pandemic challenges life can be lived but much more cautiously. For this to be achieved, LeFA has issued a directive to all its internal stakeholders (clubs, fans etc) that as of the 1st of November, 2021 it shall be compulsory to attend all LeFA activities and events only when one has been vaccinated.
Financially as well, it’s been a very difficult year for other federations struggling to stage their activities and honouring international competitions, but it’s a different story for LeFA?

LeFA is both fortunate and meticulous in how it dispenses of its duties. We are fortunate to be part of an International Federation that is in a very sound financial state enabling it to provide for its member associations; FIFA. From an organisation position, LeFA has for the past years exercised prudent spending behaviours which have in these turbulent times come handy. About five years ago, LeFA changed its business plan and started a new era where austerity principles and strict adherence to the annual budget were exercised. It is not surprising that LeFA has enjoyed some relative ease while other Federations experienced hardship. Our sound financial utilisation policy has allowed us as an organisation to stay afloat, therefore.

The investment LeFA has put on the development and grooming of referees is paying off and Souru Phatšoane is testimony to that?
No one seems to remember that almost a decade ago, I did mention that it will finally dawn on the Association that our good deeds would bear results. I for some reason predicted that our referees would make it big on the international stage. However, they still need to show the same acumen and dedication to the local version of the game, after all it is the local game that made them. If the lads and ladies keep focused, they will earn even bigger accolades than those they are earning now, they definitely have what is required to be among the best in the trade.

All the national teams have had a difficult time as far as international competitions are concerned. What needs to be done for them to do better?
You stated a fact that I would rather have never come up to face. Yes, it is true that our national teams have endured a torrid two years. There are reasons which are intertwined. Many people got agitated when I stated the problems which have attributed to our dilemma. We need to wake up to the challenges instead of trying to find solutions without first understanding the contributing factors.

I am busy going to all the regions training the DIFAs on governance and administration, in all the course I have stated that our problems are not only internal but are also a result of bad political decisions taken by our national government. If one looks at the current education curriculum, there is no way sport will survive under such circumstances. I just read the other day that our neighbours across the border are beginning to experience similar problems where school sport is basically non-existent which has resulted in very low number of youths into the elite sport. That is the reason why we have ageing senior national teams and are seemingly unable to replace the older players.
—LeFA

Sports Reporter

Sports

Lefa to shake up coaches

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2025

The Post

MASERU

The Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) is set to carry out a major shake-up of the country’s national team coaches.

The significant changes are expected to affect “all the coaching and support staff rosters” of Lesotho’s national teams.

According to a leaked internal memo, the only coaching staff that are expected to remain intact are that of the senior men’s team, led by Leslie Notši, and the Under-20 men’s side under Halemakale Mahlaha.

The positions of all other national coaches in the men’s and women’s sides are going to be reviewed with the expectation that coaches will be replaced.

LEFA held a press conference yesterday to outline the potential changes which were first revealed in an internal memo issued on Monday by LEFA’s secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi.

According to the memo, the tenures of all national team staff ended on December 31 with the exception of the men’s senior national team technical personnel and Under-20 team.

LEFA clarified that the tenures of those two national team staff members had been extended until January 31.

That move was made to allow LEFA’s new National Executive Committee, which was elected in November, enough time to deliberate on whether to retain or release the coaches in charge of Likuena and the Makoanyane XI.

Mohapi headed a press briefing yesterday, which was also attended by LEFA’s president, Advocate Salemane Phafane, where he addressed the developments.

“We know the sentiments, when we sit we evaluate, there are reports that were called during the month of November, we look at the reports, those reports will say how you have performed and whether there is a case for reinstatement,” Mohapi said.

Team performance is one factor that counts.

For Likuena, it has been a topsy-turvy 12 months.

Lesotho reached the final stage of 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying but ultimately fell at the last step, 2-1 on aggregate to Angola, depriving Likuena what would have been their first-ever appearance at a continental finals.

However, Likuena were disappointingly knocked out in the group stages of the 2024 COSAFA Cup last July.

For now, Likuena remains in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and LEFA is cautious about disrupting their progress.

Lesotho are in Group C alongside Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

They are fourth on the log with five points from four games and are only two points behind the leaders in what has been an impressive qualifying effort so far.

“We are not going to be oblivious to certain performances that deserve to be elongated, and let’s be fair; in that (internal memo) it does communicate with the exception of a team (Likuena) that is in competition. We will not destabilise it because a term has to be this way,” he said.

Mohapi also said Under-20 coach Mahlaha is exempted owing to a two-year contract he signed.

However, Mehalalitoe head coach Shalane Lehohla, who was engaged for a year, faces review.

“As for Mahlaha, he was given two years, and he was engaged later. Shalane always knew he was taking the (women’s national) team for a year, but don’t look at the coaches only, look at the backroom staff as well, the analysis will be made like the president said,” Mohapi said.

“The cake is too big, it has to be given to others to see if they can cook,” he added.

Decisions by LEFA NEC’s are expected after a meeting tomorrow.

Tlalane Phahla

Sports

New kit for Likuena

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2025

The Post

MASERU

The Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) has launched a new kit, manufactured by English sportswear giant Umbro, for the country’s national football teams.

This new strip replaces previous versions and will go on sale immediately.

On the field, the kit is set to be debuted during the March international break when Likuena takes on South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Lesotho’s new trim boasts unique features that distinguish it from earlier editions with Umbro and even includes security features to prevent counterfeiting.

The new home kit is predominantly white with four horizontal stripes across the belly, compared to three lines in the previous designs. The strip also features shades of blue.

According to LEFA, the elements ensure the kit is unique and difficult to fake, even if attempts are made to replicate it.

The away kit is green with many of the distinct features of the home kit being even more visible.

The blue leisure kit, meanwhile, adds another dimension to the team’s apparel line-up.

LEFA’s Secretary General, Mokhosi Mohapi, said work has already begun on the next designs, which could be revealed in a year’s time.

The fresh kit comes as part of a new three-year contract with Umbro.

LEFA said the deal offers improved terms compared to the previous agreement between the two parties.

Notably, this time kids’ replicas are available along with special cuts for women. The new kit replicas will be sold for M600.

To ensure the new kit gets proper market traction, LEFA will withhold sales of the national sides’ old kits.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, LEFA’s president, Advocate Salemane Phafane, emphasised the importance of the national team’s kit.

“(The) national team kit is a big thing because it is a sign that differentiates who you are from others.

“It is not just about wearing it (the kit). To us it is a flag, and we respect it. Of course, above (everything), it’s the national flag,” Phafane said.

“We agreed that even if we improve and change, we should not abandon our identity, and that’s the first edition of our jersey, we don’t want to go far away from it,” he said.

Phafane also revealed that Umbro exceeded their contractual obligations by providing additional sets of jerseys for free.

“While we were waiting for the kit, they sent two sets of Likuena’s jerseys that are not part of the contract,” Phafane said.

“(Umbro) also sent two sets of the women’s (national team) kit. We received four sets of kits for free and they are not part of the contract.”

Tlalane Phahla

Sports

Ramakongoana off to World Athletics Championships

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

Lesotho Olympian Tebello Ramakongoana has booked a ticket to the 2025 World Athletics Championships after finishing second at the C&D Xiamen Marathon in China on Sunday.

Ramakongoana ran a brilliant race at the global event, and he finished in a Lesotho record time of 2:06:18 hours, just 12 seconds shy of first place.

Ethiopian Dawit Wolde secured title ahead of Ramakongoana in a time of 2:06:06.

Ramakongoana’s time has earned him automatic qualification to the World Championships set to be held in Tokyo in September this year and his performance in China took 1:40 minutes off the national record he set when he finished seventh at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

When speaking to local media, Ramakongoana’s American coach, James McKirdy, said the weather was warm but after 10 kilometres the sun appeared.

He said Ramakongoana ran a mostly strategic race with the focus to be amongst the front pack in the early stages of the race.

After 35km, the Olympian increased tempo and pushed the leading pack of 12 men that was a deciding point on who would make the podium.

From there the numbers in the leading group started to dwindle and with two kilometres to go, only four were in the running for podium places.

“(By) pushing hard, Tebello finished in 2:06:18 and earned 2nd place, both his time and his finishing position earned him the automatic standard for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo later this year,” McKirdy said.

“The Xiamen Marathon is an out and back course with moderate hills along the coast of China.

“Tebello’s time was also under the former course record and now sits as the second fastest time ever run for the event,” he continued.

The athlete is currently abroad in the United States where he is based and training.

He was Lesotho’s standout performer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Ramakongoana finished fourth at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and he will hope to claim a medal at this year’s games scheduled to be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.

Tlalane Phahla