Seabata Mahao
Despite a debilitating shortage of financial resources, the Lesotho Boxing Association (LeBA) is enthusiastic about the selected team to take part in the upcoming International Boxing Association’s (IBA) World Youth Boxing Championships.
A team of eight talented young boxers to represent the nation at the upcoming global showpiece set to take place from October 22 to November 3 in Budva, Montenegro has been announced.
Taole Letšasa, LeBA’s Public Relations Officer said the national team consists of four women and four men, all of whom have worked tirelessly to earn their places on this prestigious platform.
The women’s team includes ’Masentle Tjamela, Reaboha Seqoete, ’Matšepo Mohato, and Reitumetse Mokoma, while the men’s team features Keketso Maepe, Reabetsoe Mokhitli, Tefelo Khoarahla, and Leshoboro Lerotholi.
Three coaches—Tieho Ntulo, Diamond Lengola, and Velaphy Snyman—will be in charge of Lesotho’s boxers, playing a crucial role in ensuring that the athletes are mentally and physically prepared for the tournament.
But the preparations have not gone smoothly, despite the enthusiasm surrounding their involvement.
“A lack of funds prevented us from going for sparring sessions against other teams outside the country,” Letšasa stated.
He further mentioned that the boxers would have gained invaluable experience sparring with international teams, allowing them to assess their abilities against various styles and hone their techniques in a competitive setting.
In an effort to prepare despite these setbacks, the fighters are currently sparring at Maseru’s Setsoto Stadium. Although these sessions are helpful, Letšasa emphasised that competing in tournaments or participating in international sparring sessions would significantly enhance the boxers’ chances of success in Montenegro.
“Our boxers need tournaments or sparring sessions outside the country for better preparation, even though they are busy with sparring sessions at the stadium,” he stated.
The team hopes to participate in a tournament in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to gain some international exposure prior to the championships. However, as Letšasa noted, this will also depend on funding availability.
“Another invitation to a tournament in the Eastern Cape has been sent out, and we hope to participate to prepare for the IBA Youth World Championships; however, once again, it will rely on funding availability,” he said.
Despite these financial difficulties, the team remains hopeful. Letšasa indicated that the boxers are scheduled to leave for Montenegro on October 18, but their departure hinges on the issuance of the required visas.
“As we are awaiting visas, we have not yet confirmed the exact departure date of the team for the championships; however, we intend to depart on October 18 to ensure a timely arrival.”
Positively, the IBA has stepped in to offer participating teams substantial support by covering the lodging expenses for all athletes and three coaches from each national federation.
The IBA Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chris Roberts, emphasized the importance of this support in fostering the growth of young athletes.
“This further demonstrates our dedication to providing our athletes with the best possible environment. To nurture these superstars on their path to becoming elite boxers, we must offer the best conditions for our young athletes,” Letšasa added.
