The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has handed over 150 referee jerseys and 10 substitution boards valued at approximately M200,000 to address equipment shortages and improve the working conditions of match officials across the country.
The equipment was officially handed over during a press conference at Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena on Tuesday, with the jerseys intended for referees officiating in the Premier League, A-Division and Super League.
The handover follows concerns over the availability of referee uniforms after the department’s previous sponsor’s support ended, leaving officials without adequate jerseys for their duties.
Referee Coordinator at LeFA, Maapara Polotso, said the department had approached different companies in search of sponsorship before seeking assistance from LeFA’s Secretary General, who listened to their concerns and asked them to outline their needs.
With the provision of the jerseys and substitution boards, the department hopes to improve the availability of essential match equipment and support the effective administration of football competitions across Lesotho.
Polotso said the support enabled the department to acquire the equipment, which she described as an important step towards addressing the challenges faced by referees.
She said the department had prioritised officials working in the top football divisions, while acknowledging that referees in the lower divisions also needed assistance.
“We have not forgotten the referees in the smaller divisions. We advised ourselves to start with the big teams and then move to the smaller teams,” Polotso said.
She added that the department intended to extend its support to referees officiating in the B and C divisions, who also require proper uniforms and equipment to carry out their responsibilities.
In addition to the jerseys, the department acquired 10 substitution boards after identifying a shortage of the equipment at football grounds across the country.
Polotso explained that the boards would be distributed to different football centres, including Maseru, Maputsoe, Mohale’s Hoek and Botha-Bothe, where various league matches are played.
She said a board would be made available for matches at Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena, while Maputsoe would be served through Diva. Other boards would be allocated to Mohale’s Hoek and Botha-Bothe to support matches played in those areas.
The distribution is intended to improve the availability of substitution boards at football venues and assist match officials in managing substitutions during games.
Polotso said the acquisition process had not been straightforward, revealing that the department placed its order in June last year but experienced delays because some of the jerseys delivered did not fit the required sizes.
She explained that the items had to be returned and the correct sizes arranged, resulting in a lengthy process before the equipment could finally be handed over.
Despite the delays, Polotso expressed appreciation to LeFA, the office of the Secretary General and colleagues who contributed to making the handover possible.
Meanwhile, Lesotho Referee Association representative Samson Molelekoa welcomed the equipment, saying referees had spent between two and three years working without the jerseys.
Molelekoa said the new uniforms would help officials present themselves professionally while carrying out their duties on the field.
“I want to first thank LeFA on behalf of the referees department for what they just received. I know we once worked very hard without them for two to three years without these jerseys, so today we have something to wear and look presentable ,” Molelekoa said
He also thanked the office of the Secretary General for responding to the department’s request, noting that referee’s needs should receive attention alongside those of players and teams.
Molelekoa emphasised that referees play an important role in the game and that their working conditions should not be overlooked when efforts are made to develop football.
“Referees have so many needs, and next time when we knock, we please ask you to hear us out because with them, football can grow or fall down,” he said.
He further urged referees to take good care of the newly acquired equipment to ensure it remains useful for future matches.
The handover marks a step towards addressing equipment gaps within the refereeing department, although the planned extension of support to B and C division officials remains an outstanding need.
With the provision of the jerseys and substitution boards, the department hopes to improve the availability of essential match equipment and support the effective administration of football competitions across Lesotho.
Summary
- With the provision of the jerseys and substitution boards, the department hopes to improve the availability of essential match equipment and support the effective administration of football competitions across Lesotho.
- She added that the department intended to extend its support to referees officiating in the B and C divisions, who also require proper uniforms and equipment to carry out their responsibilities.
- In addition to the jerseys, the department acquired 10 substitution boards after identifying a shortage of the equipment at football grounds across the country.
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