Maseru schools dominated the 2025 Econet LISA National Ball Games, showcasing depth, skill, and determination as they clinched the majority of the coveted titles at the Lesotho High School grounds last weekend.
The national competition, hosted by the Lesotho Institutions Sports Association (LISA) in partnership with title sponsors Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), drew 83 schools from across all 10 districts.
Hundreds of students, both boys and girls, competed in football, netball, volleyball, basketball, handball, chess, and public speaking in both English and Sesotho.
The three-day event, held from August 15 to 17, was a lively celebration of school sport and youth potential, culminating in action-packed finals and a colourful awards ceremony. Trophies and medals went to the best-performing schools, with Maseru institutions leading the charge.
Life High School from Maseru captured the boys’ football crown, while Abia High School (Maseru) triumphed in the girls’ division. In netball, Leqele High School (Maseru) won the girls’ championship, while Leqele also secured the boys’ basketball title.
Maseru’s dominance continued in volleyball, with Phuthiatsana High School winning the boys’ section and Lithabaneng High School crowned girls’ champions.
Other winning schools from outside Maseru included Mopholosi High School from Quthing, which took home the boys’ handball championship. Another Quthing school, Masitise High School, clinched the girls’ basketball championship, while Maboee High School from Leribe won both the boys’ and girls’ handball divisions.
Ntai Marabe, LISA’s spokesperson felt the competition met its objectives of unearthing talent from across the country and preparing athletes for future international representation.
“We aimed to ensure national-level competitions for both boys and girls as part of preparations for future development,” said Marabe.
“These games are a critical scouting ground for development coaches across sporting disciplines.”
He confirmed that football teams have already been shortlisted for the upcoming COSASA Games in Eswatini, with the support of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA). Marabe also appealed to the private sector to assist with resources to ensure that teams can compete successfully beyond Lesotho’s borders.
On his part, ETL’s Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
“These games are a powerful platform to develop future international champions,” he said. “We commend all schools, coaches, and young athletes for their energy and passion.”
The Minister of Sports, Motlatsi Maqelepo, praised the unifying and transformative nature of the tournament, encouraging young people to take sport seriously as a pathway to international exposure and economic empowerment.
“To those wondering who will one day raise Lesotho’s flag on the global stage, here they are. I want to see some of the athletes at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
Maqelepo thanked ETL for its continued support while challenging more private companies to invest in youth sports. He also urged the government to increase its backing for the sector, citing its potential to combat unemployment and social ills.
Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission’s (LSRC) President Baba Malephane also hailed the tournament’s success.
“With sustained investments and collective efforts, the future of sports in Lesotho is brighter than ever,” he said.
Summary
- Maseru schools dominated the 2025 Econet LISA National Ball Games, showcasing depth, skill, and determination as they clinched the majority of the coveted titles at the Lesotho High School grounds last weekend.
- The three-day event, held from August 15 to 17, was a lively celebration of school sport and youth potential, culminating in action-packed finals and a colourful awards ceremony.
- The Minister of Sports, Motlatsi Maqelepo, praised the unifying and transformative nature of the tournament, encouraging young people to take sport seriously as a pathway to international exposure and economic empowerment.
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.
