Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) yesterday officially handed over a brand-new jersey to Lesotho’s national senior rugby team, Likatola, in a vibrant show of support for local sports.
The unveiling ceremony took place at ETL headquarters in Maseru this week, marking another milestone in the telecommunications company’s long-standing partnership with the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR).
The new kit, manufactured by India-based company Stag Global, is part of a M400, 000 investment ETL made earlier this year toward rugby development in Lesotho. This brings the company’s total investment in local rugby to over M2 million since the partnership began in 2012.
Speaking during the handover, ETL’s Public Relations and Customer Experience Specialist Retšelisitsoe Nkhahle commended the FLR for its efforts to grow the sport and highlighted ETL’s continued dedication to nurturing talent and expanding the local sporting landscape.
“We have a long journey that started in 2012, working hand in hand with rugby administrators,” said Nkhahle.
“We are handing over a top-quality jersey that we believe will motivate the players during competition. Our M400, 000 investment earlier this year is meant to support the growth and development of rugby in the country.”
Nkhahle emphasised that ETL’s investment in rugby aligns with the company’s broader mission to drive economic and social growth through sport.
“Sports can have a positive impact on livelihoods and the economy in general. The time to view sports merely as recreation is over. We must commercialize it,” he said.
FLR’s President Fetang Selialia expressed deep appreciation for ETL’s support, describing the company as a cornerstone in the federation’s ability to sustain and grow the game.
“We are grateful to ETL for walking this journey with us in developing rugby in the country. Our league has remained sustainable because of their support. This new jersey will boost our players’ confidence,” Selialia said
Selialia also announced that Likatola will take on Eswatini this Saturday at Mejametalana Airwing in a World Rugby-sanctioned Test Match. Botswana had originally been scheduled to participate but withdrew at the last minute due to accommodation challenges.
Stag Global representative Vivek Kohli, who attended the ceremony, pledged continued support to the FLR and hinted at long-term plans for sports development in Lesotho, though he did not disclose specific details.
Summary
- The unveiling ceremony took place at ETL headquarters in Maseru this week, marking another milestone in the telecommunications company’s long-standing partnership with the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR).
- Speaking during the handover, ETL’s Public Relations and Customer Experience Specialist Retšelisitsoe Nkhahle commended the FLR for its efforts to grow the sport and highlighted ETL’s continued dedication to nurturing talent and expanding the local sporting landscape.
- FLR’s President Fetang Selialia expressed deep appreciation for ETL’s support, describing the company as a cornerstone in the federation’s ability to sustain and grow the game.
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.
