Moorosi Tsiane
The Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) would soon be announcing its female national rugby team, the organisation’s secretary general, Litšitso Motšeremeli, has said.
Motšeremeli on Thursday told the Sunday Express that the team was part of the federation’s efforts of developing the sport. The FLR was formed in 2012 and has since made enormous strides in developing the male game.
“Our biggest objective is seeing that we grow rugby in this country and forming a female national rugby team is one of the MUST DO things for the federation. We are currently in the process of looking for a coach for the team,” Motšeremeli said.
Motšeremeli noted the federation has five female teams, namely NUL Spears, Maseru Warriors, Mabote Beavers, LCS and LDF which take part in mini-tournaments.
“We don’t have a running league as yet for female teams but we usually hold some mini-tournaments for the five teams and that is where we have picked the Maseru Select that has played twice in the Free State.
“They will also be playing in the Eastern Free State Ace Magashule Rugby Cup tournament to be held next month in the Free State,” he said.
The FLR would give ladies the same chances it was affording male rugby players, he added.
“We hope by doing this, we are also empowering women because they need to be given the same chances their male counterparts are getting in sports. And that is what we are pushing as FLR.”
Motšeremeli said the federation was hoping to engage a local coach due to financial constraints.
“Finances are still a problem when it comes to sport in this country so that is limiting our search for a coach to locals only. We need a local coach who we can afford and are looking for someone holding at least, an International Rugby Board Level 1 coaching certificate,” said Motšeremeli.