Leemisa Thuseho
THE Lesotho Netball Super League returns to action on 30 November 2019 after a two months break.
The league took a break on 7 September 2019 to give the national team coaches time to prepare for the recently held 2019 African Netball Cup in Cape Town last month.
Lesotho Netball Association (LNA) public relations officer ‘Mamakebe Moshoeshoe recently told the Sunday Express that although the league is returning, they were yet to draw up the fixture.
Moshoeshoe said apart from giving the coaches time to work with the national team in preparation for the 2019 Africa Netball Cup, the break was also necessitated by the fact that the association did not have funds to run the league.
“We didn’t have money to run the league smoothly and we could not pay the officials,” Moshoeshoe said.
He said although they are still facing financial challenges, they are considering to pay the officials from their own pockets.
“The executive committee is contemplating to contribute personal funds to pay the officials.”
Leqele High School are the league’s defending champions having toppled Lesotho Correctional Service last season.
The Munyaradzi Shanduka coached outfit is atop the log with 12 points and 213 goals from six games while LCS are second with the same number of points but with 120 goals.
Shanduka told the Sunday Express in a recent interview that he was confident that his side would emerge victorious once again this season.
“My young girls are still the league favorites. I lost two of my senior players; Matšeliso Chere and Neo Mothunye to rivals LCS and that was a good move for the duo. However, we remain the favourites.
“We have not played LCS after they engaged the two players but…for me, that is the game to watch. LCS vs Leqele will be another test of my qualities as a coach with international experience,” Shanduka said.
He implored the LNA to create a conducive environment for the highly anticipated match to allow his girls to display top quality netball.
“I know LCS want to win the game at all cost in order to reclaim dominance the local league,” Shanduka said.
LCS coach Neo Orpen conceded that Leqele was the only team that gives them sleepless nights.
“Our target is to retain our title and we ready to face Leqele as soon as the league resumes. So far, I am happy with my team’s performance,” Orpen said.