In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and broadening talent identification, the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has announced plans to host a series of district competitions as part of preparations for the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games to be held in Mozambique this December.
The initiative seeks to expand the national database of sporting talent by giving athletes from across the country an opportunity to compete, rather than relying on last-minute selections from a familiar pool of players. The competitions will cover a wide range of sporting codes, including disciplines that are not part of the Region 5 Games programme.
While it remains unclear which sporting codes Lesotho will ultimately enter for the Mozambique Games, the commission has opted to act proactively. Outstanding athletes from the district competitions will qualify for the National Championships, where the final selection for the Region 5 Games team will be made.
Historically, team selection for international competitions has drawn criticism, with stakeholders raising concerns over a lack of transparency. LSRC believes the district-based approach will help address these concerns while strengthening the country’s talent pipeline.
The first district competition is scheduled to take place in Butha-Buthe next month and will feature boxing, taekwondo, basketball, tennis, netball, volleyball, football and athletics.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Head of Delegation for the Region 5 Games, RefiloeMaphallela, said the commission was determined to move away from the practice of late team selections.
“In the past, we often waited until the last days to select a team, and it seemed as if we simply took athletes we already knew. That is not what we want anymore,” Maphallela said. “We realised that we do not have a complete picture of the pool of players in different sporting codes, so we decided that now, with leadership for the games in Mozambique in place, it is time to go around the country and identify talent that can represent the country in the under-20 category.”
He explained that the long-term plan is to host district competitions nationwide, with top performers progressing to the national youth games, from which the final team for Mozambique will be selected.
Maphallela added that the LSRC intends to stage these district competitions every two months in the lead-up to the national youth games.
The AUSC Region 5 Youth Games are regarded as a cornerstone of sports development in Southern Africa. The event brings together under-20 athletes from 10 member countries — Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Beyond competition, the Games provide a vital platform for identifying and nurturing future sporting stars, while promoting regional integration, friendship and cultural exchange among young athletes.
Summary
- In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and broadening talent identification, the Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has announced plans to host a series of district competitions as part of preparations for the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games to be held in Mozambique this December.
- “We realised that we do not have a complete picture of the pool of players in different sporting codes, so we decided that now, with leadership for the games in Mozambique in place, it is time to go around the country and identify talent that can represent the country in the under-20 category.
- He explained that the long-term plan is to host district competitions nationwide, with top performers progressing to the national youth games, from which the final team for Mozambique will be selected.
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.
