Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Financial woes pose a major threat to young Basotho cricket enthusiasts looking to make the best out of their talent.
This was said by the Lesotho Cricket Association (LCA) president, Mosito Mafanti, in an interview with the Sunday Express last Friday.
Mafanti was speaking ahead of a two-day cricket development tournament that was held at Maseru Club ground last weekend.
Five local clubs and four high school teams took part in the tournament that was aimed at developing young talented cricket players.
“The situation is very bad for the sport. However, we are not ready to give up the fight and we will continue with the struggle with the hope of getting sponsors soon,” Mafanti said.
“The development of cricket in the country remains a work in process, but to keep going and developing we need resources,” he said.
The LCA was faced with sponsorships challenges that prevented them from getting the necessary equipment for all the players who had shown interest in the game.
“Teams do not have grounds, lack of facilities is a big challenge for the sport, but we are hopeful of getting sponsors in the future,” he said.
Mafanti appealed for support from the local corporate sector to allow more young participants to take part in cricket activities.
He added that there was also need to renovate and build more cricket playing grounds across the country.
“Youngsters are coming through in numbers. We have also had people coming in great numbers to give us support.”
LCA has been an affiliate of International Cricket Council since 2001, but the sport has seen little improvement since then.
But Mafanti is optimistic that they are on the right track to take the sport to another level.