Leemisa Thuseho

THE Lesotho Football Association is hoping to boost the development of women’s soccer through the under-15 girls’ soccer league later this month.

Although the starting date is yet to be announced, LeFA president Salemane Phafane recently said they were working with the Lesotho Institutions Sport Association (LISA) and the Lesotho Primary Schools Sport Association (LEPPSA) in the running of the league.

The league will see 12 high schools battling for honours with each of the schools receiving USD100 (about M1 600) for match logistics and administration.

The selected schools are Rasetimela, Phahameng, St Charles, ‘Makhethisa, Mapoteng, Thetsane, Mahloenyeng, Bereng, Holy Cross, ‘Maseribane, Tšepo, and Lioli.

“The competing schools were selected by LISA and LEPSSA, who are our affiliates,” Phafane said.

“To prepare competitive players for our national teams well, we must catch the players while they are still young.”

He said since it is a developmental league, there will be no prizes at the end of the season.

Each school team will get soccer boots, balls and playing kit from LeFA. The equipment was handed over at the LeFA premises on Tuesday.

The league was preceded by a school-teachers’ coaching course held last month.

Meanwhile, LeFA has purchased 900 Puma soccer balls which will be distributed to all recognised football clubs irrespective of their locations.

The balls will be distributed by the District Football Associations (DiFAs) and each team will get two balls.