Lesotho has successfully hosted a regional baseball and softball tournament, with Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) supporting the Lesotho Baseball and Softball Association (LBSA) Masters Division to stage the MDLBSA Masters Tournament from February 5 to 7 at Mabote Police Grounds.
The tournament attracted teams and officials from Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa, delivering high-quality competition and reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a capable host of regional sporting events.
The successful staging of the competition marked another important step in the development of baseball and softball in the Mountain Kingdom.
On the field, South Africa’s Flames dominated the men’s division with a commanding run to the title, displaying experience and tactical discipline throughout the competition.
In the women’s category, Saints of Botswana rose to the occasion, clinching top honours and underlining the tournament’s growing regional appeal and competitive intensity.
Beyond the trophies, the event will be remembered for a major milestone in Lesotho’s sporting development. Seven local technical officials earned internationally recognised certifications during the tournament, significantly boosting the country’s officiating standards.
Two umpires attained Level 1 accreditation, while another two secured Level 2 status. In addition, two scorers received Level 1 certification and one achieved Level 2 accreditation. All credentials were awarded by a World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Regional Trainer, highlighting the event’s international stature.
These certifications strengthen Lesotho’s technical capacity to host and officiate competitions to international standards, further positioning the country to stage bigger regional and international events in the future.
Speaking at the closing and awards ceremony, ETL’s Public Relations Specialist Retšelisitsoe Nkhahle applauded the LBSA for its dedication and vision.
“We applaud the Lesotho Baseball and Softball Association, through its Master Division, for its steadfast commitment to growing the game locally and for hosting such a prestigious and inspiring tournament,” Nkhahle said.
“As Econet Telecom Lesotho, we remain unwavering in our support for sport, which we believe is a vital driver of national development and, most importantly, unity among Basotho.”
The Masters Tournament capped what LBSA’s President Tšeliso Lemphane described as an extraordinary week for the association. During the same period, Lesotho hosted engagements of the Japan–Africa Baseball and Softball Foundation and the WBSC Africa Region 5 Softball Extraordinary Congress.
“This has been a truly historic and successful week for baseball and softball in Lesotho,” Lemphane said.
“Hosting continental and international stakeholders, alongside the Masters Tournament, has elevated the profile of our sport and demonstrated our readiness to operate on a larger stage.”
Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission’s (LSRC) President Baba Malephane also praised the organisers for delivering a successful event and called for stronger grassroots development.
“We must work hand in glove to grow baseball and softball in our schools, where we nurture the future stars of our country,” Malephane said.
“We thank ETL and all sponsors for their invaluable support in making this tournament possible.”
Summary
- Lesotho has successfully hosted a regional baseball and softball tournament, with Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) supporting the Lesotho Baseball and Softball Association (LBSA) Masters Division to stage the MDLBSA Masters Tournament from February 5 to 7 at Mabote Police Grounds.
- The successful staging of the competition marked another important step in the development of baseball and softball in the Mountain Kingdom.
- “We applaud the Lesotho Baseball and Softball Association, through its Master Division, for its steadfast commitment to growing the game locally and for hosting such a prestigious and inspiring tournament,” Nkhahle said.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
