Moorosi Tsiane

Basketball coaches would be back in class from 1-10 March.

According to Lesotho Basketball Association (LBA) public relations officer Ratsolo Molupe, the coaches are set to undergo training under the watchful eye of Carballo Manuel from Namibia.

The coaching clinic is under the auspices of the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA)-Africa and would go a long way to boost the sport in Lesotho, Molupe added.

“We will be having a visitor from FIBA-Africa, Mr Carballo. He was recommended to us by FIBA advisor, Lubomir Kotleba (from Slovenia), who paid us a short visit last month. The clinics are for high school and national league coaches,” Molupe said.

Molupe added Carballo would be working with the office of the director of coaches, Faku Masupha.

The clinic, Molupe added, was an indication the sport was starting to get some recognition from the world basketball body.

“It means a lot to us, as LBA, to be given such opportunities because these are the things we really need for our basketball to grow. Remember it was only last month when Kotleba was here and now we have another high-profile person from FIBA.

“Because our coaches will be sharpening their skills, we are hoping for a more competitive league going forward,” said Molupe.

Meanwhile, Molupe said the association would be hosting a tournament for female players at Lehakoe on 21 March.

Molupe said the tourney is meant to motivate female players by providing them yet another platform to showcase their talent, apart from the league.