International recognition for local rugby

Moorosi Tsiane

The Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) is now a full member of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR).

The organisation was granted the membership during the Worldwide Rugby EXCO General Meeting held from 9-17 December in Paris, France.

FLR secretary general, Litšitso Motšeremeli, told the Sunday Express the recognition was an endorsement of the federation’s efforts to develop the sport in the country.

“We had a very good trip, alongside FLR president, Fetang Selia-Lia, and the meeting went extremely well for us in France. The intention was for us to convince the International Rugby Board  why Lesotho should be affiliated with CAR and our presentations went very well, I should say.

“Instead of only being made CAR affiliates, Lesotho was awarded full membership and that says a lot about rugby development in this country,” Motšeremeli said.

“More than 100 countries were represented at the meeting, with only five, namely Ghana, Congo, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Lesotho, seeking full membership. These other countries have been playing rugby for more than 10 years but they are only CAR affiliates, and not full members, so we thought it was going to be the same case with us. However, after we had presented our case, and based on our national team’s performance of late, we were awarded full membership right away.”

According to Motšeremeli, the latest development means Lesotho can now compete in any international rugby competition, which he said was good for the development of the game in the country.

“Starting from May 2015, we will be eligible to compete in international tournaments and that will be important as it will help local rugby grow.”

Motšeremeli  further said both he and Selia-Lia had the chance to attend three workshops about rugby  administration.