Leemisa Thuseho
THE Gender, Youth, Sport and Recreation Minister Likeleli Tampane has asked Lesotho’s representatives at the Tokyo Olympics to do the nation proud.
The Olympics will run from 23 July to 8 August 2021.
Tampane said this during the team’s sendoff ceremony at Victoria Hotel this weekend.
Lesotho will be represented by long distance runners, Khoarahlane Seutloali, and his wife, ‘Neheng Khatala Seutloali.
Tampane said the duo will be representing the country and they are expected to hoist the country’s flag high.
“We are very happy and thankful to our athletes who managed to qualify for the Olympics and they should continue the good work to raise high Lesotho’s flag at the games,” Tampane said.
“They should bear in mind that Basotho’s expectations are high and we pray that God gives them strength to bring us victory.”
Despite the extraordinary circumstances under which the games will be held because of Covid-19, Tampane is confident that the duo will perform well.
She also gave credit to the sponsors who have been supporting the athletes throughout their qualifying journey.
“We are proud of the businesses who are investing in sport because without them, there is no way our sports can survive.”
Despite the games’ opening ceremony being on 23 July, Letsatsi Ntsibolane, the head of mission said the athletes will only arrive in Tokyo on 29 July.
The arrival date was informed by the athletes’ coaches’ advice that it was best that they arrive close to their competition dates. This because arriving early would see them being restricted to athletes’ villages and they therefore be barred from training.
‘Neheng was the last to secure her ticket to the games after clocking 2:28:06 to win the Retail Capital Langa Marathon in Cape Town in May this this year. Her husband had already qualified at the 2019 Cape Town Marathon where he clocked 2:11:04.
‘Neheng will compete on 7 August while her husband will take to the track a day later.
The athletes will travel with coach, Andrew Booyens. Others who will travel to Tokyo are Ntsibolane, Likeleko Lepitla (team administrator), Anatole Mayema (team doctor), Moiloa Letsema (team leader) and Lebohang Khomari (Covid-19 Liaison Officer).
Lesotho will also have soccer assistant referee, Souru Phatšoane, at the games.