Mikia Kalati
MORAPELI Disabled Centre in the Mafeteng district on Friday received a shot in the arm from premier league champions Bantu who donated M15 000 worth of groceries as part of the Independence Cup Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project.
The donation was part of the sponsorship for next month’s Independence Cup where co-sponsors Metropolitan Lesotho and Standard Lesotho Bank allocated M60 000 for the four participating teams to each donate M15 000 to a charity or school of their choice.
Bantu chose Morapeli Disabled Centre which is home to 28 disabled children.
The centre’s representative, Sister Mary Chechile, thanked Bantu for choosing them.
“It’s a blessing that Bantu chose our centre for such a humble gesture which has brought joy to us and the children,” Sister Chechile said.
“We are humbled by the support because the children need to be loved and supported.”
“We have several challenges but feeding the children is the biggest and that is what I told the Bantu management when they came to talk to us about their plans to donate.
“It is very painful when we have nothing to feed the children because they suffer a lot.
“This is why I also thank Metropolitan Lesotho and Standard Lesotho Bank for this initiative to support the needy.”
Bantu chairman, John Leuta, said the situation at the centre was a wake-up call to the club to play their part through regular community outreach programmes.
“Although we pass by this place regularly, I was not aware of the situation.
“It is a challenge to us now that football is turning professional to do our part by giving back to the community that supports us.
“Those responsible for looking after the children also deserve praise for their work.
“I also want to thank our two sponsors for making the CSI project part of the tournament and allocating a budget to the four teams to help the charity homes of their choice,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Mphotleng Sekoala, said the initiative was aimed at giving back to communities.
“This initiative is in its second year and we are happy to be part of it and we wish the teams well in the tournament,” she said.
Lioli, LCS and Kick4Life will also do their part in next week by each donating M15 000 to schools or charities of their choice.