Moorosi Tsiane

FINANCIAL are threatening to disrupt team Lesotho’s preparations for the upcoming Region 5 Table Tennis championship from 6 to 11 December 2019 at Lehakoe Recreational and Cultural Centre in Maseru.

Lesotho Table Tennis Association (LeTTA) spokesperson Thato Mathibeli made the revelations in an interview on Friday.

Mathibeli said Lesotho has been tasked with hosting teams like South Africa, Botswana, eSwatini, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia.

She however, said their problem is that the association is depending on sponsors for funds because they do not have the necessary funds.

“We are hosting the Region 5 championship in December where we expect at least nine visiting countries as part of our preparations for the 2020 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games but the country does not have the money,’ Mathibeli said.

“We have also been trying to negotiate with some companies to bring them on board but none has committed so far. The Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) also says it does not have the money.”

She urged the corporate world to come on board and help them ensuring that the mission succeeds.

“The lack of funds is negatively affecting our team’s preparations because the players are struggling to come for training so we urge companies to assist us with the attire, water and transport,” she said.

Mathibeli said they have already assembled a 16-member team based on the how the players have performed in the domestic league.

“The team has already been selected and has started its preparations. We have five males, five females and a mixed team of disabled players. The selection was done based on individual performances in the league and we have selected the best five players.”

Mathibeli, Nthabeleng Mokeki, Matšiliso Chere, Tumisang Mpesi and Reaboka Bofelo will be competing in female category while the males’ team is made up of Khethang Mothibi, Likhetho Mothibi, Hareteke Mapeshoane, Themba Talane and Tšiliso Chere.

The disabled team is made up of Ntebaleng Ratšoane, ‘Mathapelo Thuntša, Tšele Masitha,Tšehiso Ramofokeng, Mosuoe Sehloho and Paseka Mokete.