
Mikia Kalati
THE Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) recently conducted a seminar to familiarise coaches with the latest amendments to the laws of the game as well review the 2016/2017 soccer season.
LeFA technical director, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana presided over the seminar which was headlined by a presentation by the Likuena head coach Moses Maliehe and his medical team, on the importance of conducting thorough medical examinations of players before the start of each season.
This follows the spate of high profile deaths around the world that have been linked to heart conditions. The latest victim was former English Premier League star, Cheick Tiote who collapsed while training with his Chinese club, Beijing Enterprises and later died.
Thotanyana told the Sunday Express that the seminar gave coaches a platform to reflect on the past season and share experiences.
“This has been ongoing over the years and we create a platform for all coaches to come together to reflect on the just ended season,” Thotanyana said, adding, “We also gave the coaches of the team that won the league championship (Bantu) to share their success story”.
“We had a session about the laws of the game and amendments and there will be another session to further discuss the matter which will be based on the coaches’ recommendations.
“This is to give the administrators, coaches and the referees a chance to come together and find better ways of dealing with controversies like the ones that brought the game into disrepute last season.”
Maliehe hailed the seminar for “providing a communication platform between him and the club coaches”.
“It was an excellent platform for me because all the national team players come from the clubs. We need each other to succeed.
“The seminar gave us a chance to discuss our style as a country as well as the lifestyle of our players which is important if they are to fulfil their potential.”
He said he attended as many league matches as he could and engaged all the coaches and “told them that my door is always open to suggestions regarding the national team”.
Meanwhile, Thotanyana and his technical department are also scouting for young talent across the country.
They are currently in the Thaba Tseka district where they are conducting clinics to identify players under the age of 15 to join the LeFA School of Excellence camp at Bambatha Tšita Arena Sports Arena next week.
Those that were identified over the last two years will be part of the under-17 side, Bahlabani with their new coach to be announced next week.