The Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL) will once again bring together healthcare workers from across the country for its annual Inter-CHAL Tournament, running from September 26 to 28 this year.
The 2025 edition will be hosted by Scott Hospital in Morija. Launched in 2016 by CHAL clinic staff, the tournament was designed as more than just a sporting event, but as a retreat where healthcare workers could ease work-related stress, strengthen collaboration, and foster unity across facilities.
Backed from the start by CHAL, the initiative has since grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the association’s calendar.
The event annually rotates among CHAL institutions, with past hosts including Paray Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka (2016), Tebellong Hospital in Qacha’s Nek (2017), Seboche Hospital in Butha-Buthe (2018), St. James Hospital in Mantšonyane (2022), St. Joseph Hospital in Roma (2023), and Tebellong Hospital again in 2024.
This year’s edition will be coordinated by Scott Hospital in partnership with CHAL. Tournament organiser Mojalefa Thebe confirmed that all eight CHAL hospitals and their 71 affiliated clinics have been invited to take part, with more than 800 participants expected.
“This is more than just a tournament,” Thebe explained.
“It is a retreat, a way to relieve stress, share ideas, and build camaraderie through sports and conversation.”
Activities will begin with the arrival of guests on September 25, followed by the official opening ceremony the next day. Competition will then get underway across a range of sporting codes, including football, volleyball, netball, athletics, tug of war, and indoor pool games.
Beyond the action on the field, evenings will be dedicated to music and entertainment, offering participants an opportunity to socialise and unwind.
Despite financial challenges, organisers remain determined to stage a memorable event. With no corporate sponsors secured, each CHAL hospital and clinic has contributed M2,500 towards costs. The money will go towards medals and trophies, with no cash prizes on offer.
“CHAL helped us with trophies during the early years, but since Covid-19, we’ve been self-funding. Still, we are grateful that CHAL has stepped in this year to assist Scott Hospital with medals and trophies,” Thebe said.
Security and safety remain a priority. The organisers have engaged the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), National Security Services (NSS), and Scott Hospital’s security team to oversee operations. First aid stations will also be set up across the venue.
Invitations have been extended to key dignitaries, including the Minister of Health, the Principal Chief, the Member of Parliament for Matsieng, and the District Administrator of Maseru.
“This year, we are expecting it to be bigger and better. It is all about recreation, retreat, and socialism. The goal is for everyone to leave Morija feeling refreshed and more connected.” Thebe concluded.
Summary
- Launched in 2016 by CHAL clinic staff, the tournament was designed as more than just a sporting event, but as a retreat where healthcare workers could ease work-related stress, strengthen collaboration, and foster unity across facilities.
- The event annually rotates among CHAL institutions, with past hosts including Paray Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka (2016), Tebellong Hospital in Qacha’s Nek (2017), Seboche Hospital in Butha-Buthe (2018), St.
- Beyond the action on the field, evenings will be dedicated to music and entertainment, offering participants an opportunity to socialise and unwind.
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.
