Impeccable sources have alleged that the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has withdrawn its support for Federation of Athletics Lesotho (FAL) President Tšeliso Pheta in the upcoming Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) presidential elections, instead aligning itself with incumbent president Tlali Rampooana.
The highly anticipated LNOC elections are set to take place during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 23.
Rampooana, who was first elected in 2021, is seeking re-election for another four-year term, facing stiff competition from Pheta and current LNOC Vice-President, Letsatsi Ntsibolane.
While the sources indicate that LeFA has distanced itself from Pheta due to concerns over his lack of support among key sporting constituencies, the association’s Secretary General, Mokhosi Mohapi, has downplayed any claims that LeFA has officially taken a stance.
“LeFA has not even submitted its delegation list,” Mohapi said.
“We don’t vote for popularity, even at CAF and FIFA and even at COSAFA we have always voted for candidates we feel are the ones who best represent our interests not because of popularity,” Mohapi stated.
Despite apparent loss of LeFA’s backing, Pheta remains confident in his campaign, maintaining that his candidacy is driven by the need for transparency and meaningful sports development.
He has criticised the current LNOC leadership for failing to make significant progress in improving sports in Lesotho.
“Despite serving on the executive committee for several years, the present president of LNOC has not produced much evidence of his leadership. There hasn’t been any significant advancement, and our sports are still becoming worse.
“We simply never receive the funding we require to get our athletes ready for big competitions like the Olympics,” Pheta said.
Meanwhile, Ntsibolane has positioned himself as the best candidate to lead the LNOC, citing strong backing from national federations that believe in his vision. His primary focus is on improving sports administration, enhancing sporting facilities, and advocating for physical education to be incorporated into Lesotho’s school curriculum.
“Our team is putting in a lot of effort, and we are sure we will win. We will succeed by promoting our constructive vision for the LNOC, not by disparaging others,” Ntibolanestated.
With the election date fast approaching, all three candidates remain resolute in their campaigns, each aiming to secure the mandate to lead Lesotho’s Olympic movement into a new era.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
