Chief Seeiso pleads with youths

Moorosi Tsiane 

MATELILE principal Chief, Morena Moholobela Seeiso has called on the youth in his chiefdom to desist from involvement in gang killings and take up sporting activities.

Chief Seeiso said this in a recent interview with the Sunday Times on the side-lines of a ceremony to receive the Queen’s Baton Relay tour in Matelile.

The Relay is a tour around the world held prior to the Commonwealth Games which will be held next year in Australia, and traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London.

Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II entrusts the baton, with a message she would read at the opening ceremony of the Games, to the first relay runner.

It will arrive on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia for the opening ceremony of the Games on the 4 April 2018.

Matelile in the Mafeteng district has achieved notoriety on account of gang-related killings.

“Matelile is one of those places filled with many conflicts and killings especially among youth,” Chief Seeiso said, adding, “But I am happy that we have been given the chance to host and witness these activities which can encourage our children to take sport seriously”.

“They need to invest more time in sports and stop these gang killings.”

Chief Seeiso said he was proud of the efforts of veteran long distance runner Mabothile Lebopo who has been working tirelessly to help end the killings.

“Sport is very important for our nation and it can be effective in taking our youth away from illegal activities.

Mabothile is part of this community and he has been playing a big role in ensuring that we eliminate these ungodly acts,” Chief Seeiso said.

He expressed his gratitude for the choice of Matelile for the Baton Relay and expressed confidence that this would boost sporting activities in the area.

“There are several challenges here including limited infrastructure and therefore, limited participation in sport but we hope for assistance after participating in the Baton Relay.

“We are very happy to again host the Baton and such gestures can encourage our communities to take sport seriously. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Team Lesotho the best of luck in next year’s (Commonwealth) games.”

The Baton was accompanied by the Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin, her crew as well as officials from the Commonwealth Games Association of Lesotho.

It was taken to different villages in Matelile including Motsekuoa, Ha Ramatšeliso, Takalatsa, Ha Sehlabo, Ha Lesoma, Ha Seeiso, Malea-lea and Ha Makhakhe before returning to Maseru.