Kananelo Mokhele
The Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) recently honoured outstanding athletes and sports personalities during a glittering ceremony held in Maseru.
The annual event, known as the Lesotho Annual Sports Awards, recognises excellence across various sporting disciplines and has become a key fixture on the country’s sporting calendar.
This year marked the fifth edition of the awards since their launch in 2017. The ceremony was temporarily suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic but has since returned with renewed energy and purpose.
Although countries participating in the AUSC Region 5 Games are expected to host their annual sports awards in November, Lesotho successfully appealed to the regional committee to stage its ceremony at a later date.
Since their inception, winners have received trophies and cash prizes, with 20 recipients recognised in previous editions. This year, 15 categories were contested across different sporting codes. The winners will represent Lesotho at the Regional Annual Sports Awards at the continental level.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo underscored the importance of recognising those who dedicate themselves to sport.
“Everyone who dedicates themselves to sport deserves recognition and encouragement to continue working hard,” he said.
Maqelepo said as the nation celebrates its sporting heroes it is also rebuilding its future by nurturing young talent. He emphasised that the awards ceremony will remain an annual event, describing it as not only a celebration of sporting excellence but also of Basotho national pride.
“These awards recognise the dedication of athletes, coaches, and parents who have contributed to the development of each player. Sport in our country is not just entertainment; it is education, it boosts the economy, and it creates employment,” he added.
The minister stressed that the sports sector should not be viewed as one that needs sympathy, but as one deserving significant investment to drive growth for the benefit of the Basotho nation.
In a major announcement, he revealed that the ministry plans to construct stadiums in three districts, Leribe, Butha-Buthe and Quthing provided the budget permits. The long-term goal, he said, is for each district to have its own stadium.
Baba Malephane, the LSRC’s president described the fifth edition of the awards as a proud milestone, but acknowledged that more work still lies ahead.
“It is the responsibility of all sports associations to guide young people so they can become future stars,” Malephane said.
He urged associations to submit more nominations, noting that although there are 36 sports associations in the country, less than half have had athletes receive awards. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to ensure broader representation across sporting codes.
Congratulating all nominees, Malephane said reaching the nomination stage alone was a significant achievement.
Among the winners was sports journalist Reitumetse Mabaleha from Match Day, who received the Sports Media Award. Speaking after the ceremony, Mabaleha expressed pride in the recognition.
“This award shows that there are people who recognise and appreciate the dedication of sports broadcasters in their work,” she said, adding that the accolade belongs to all sports journalists, both men and women committed to reporting on sport in Lesotho.
Below is the full list of award winners:
- Junior Male Athlete with a Disability – Matla Lehata
- Junior Female Athlete with a Disability – Mamakhooa Lipakela
- Senior Male Athlete with a Disability – Thuto Liphoto
- Sportsman of the Year – Bafokeng Liphalana
- Sportswoman of the Year – Mamosebetsi Sehlooho
- Volunteer of the Year – Nthabiseng Tsunyane
- Administrator/Coordinator of the Year – Teboho Letseka
- Coach of the Year – Itumeleng Qhoai
- Referee of the Year – Lipontšuoa Lekuba
- Sports Media Award – Reitumetse Mabaleha
- LSRC President’s Award – Makoekoe Mahanetsa
- Team of the Year – Lishoeshoe
Summary
- Although countries participating in the AUSC Region 5 Games are expected to host their annual sports awards in November, Lesotho successfully appealed to the regional committee to stage its ceremony at a later date.
- The minister stressed that the sports sector should not be viewed as one that needs sympathy, but as one deserving significant investment to drive growth for the benefit of the Basotho nation.
- “This award shows that there are people who recognise and appreciate the dedication of sports broadcasters in their work,” she said, adding that the accolade belongs to all sports journalists, both men and women committed to reporting on sport in Lesotho.
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