By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) handed over 105 sets of jerseys to schools that participated at the Lesotho Institutions Sports Association (LISA) games earlier this year.
The handover, which started in Maseru, will extend to other districts until November 27, 2024. The jerseys cater to various disciplines, including football, netball, basketball, volleyball, and handball, reflecting Econet’s commitment to nurturing talent in multiple sports.
The sponsorship forms part of a M6 million investment made by ETL under its three-year partnership with LISA, which began in 2022.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Puleng ‘Mathabo Masoabi, Econet’s Acting General Manager for Marketing Communications and Customer Experience, highlighted the company’s vision of empowering youth through sports.
“We are proud to support our future athletes and leaders by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. At Econet, we believe in fostering strong relationships with communities, and our partnership with LISA aligns with our mission to nurture young talent, promote healthy competition, and inspire teamwork throughout Lesotho,” Mrs. Masoabi said.
The distribution of the jerseys demonstrates the company’s ongoing investment in the development of young athletes. For many students across Lesotho, participation in sports provides more than just physical activity, it is a means of discovering their potential, fostering leadership, and building resilience.
The partnership between Econet and LISA ensures that sports competitions are not only accessible but also sustainable, promoting inclusion and teamwork in schools across the country.
Representing LISA at the ceremony, Mr. Naleli Setlai expressed his gratitude for the continued support from ETL over the years. “The LISA Games would not have been the same without ETL’s steadfast partnership.
Their commitment to youth and sports development has significantly elevated the quality of our competitions. With these jerseys, students from all corners of Lesotho can continue to participate, develop their skills, and grow through various sports disciplines,” Setlai said.
ETL’s sponsorship of the LISA Games over the past three years has not only enhanced the sports sector but also boosted local economies. The company’s ongoing support highlights its belief in sports as a vehicle for change, helping to instill discipline, teamwork, and national pride among Lesotho’s youth.
Through sports, many young Basotho have gained opportunities to develop life skills that extend beyond the field, such as leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. The significance of such initiatives is far-reaching.
Access to quality sports equipment motivates young athletes, boosts their confidence, and provides them with the tools needed to compete fairly. These jerseys motivate pride for students representing their schools and communities in sports competitions.
Beyond its focus on sports, ETL remains committed to empowering communities through initiatives in education, technology, and economic development. The company believes that fostering youth engagement through activities such as the LISA Games helps build healthier, more productive communities.
ETL’s collaboration with LISA also serves as a platform to cultivate future professional athletes who can compete on regional and international stages, putting Lesotho on the map. As Lesotho’s youth develop their talents and participate in competitive sports, they are equipped with the discipline and teamwork skills necessary for personal and professional success.
Through partnership with LISA, ETL continues to illustrate the transformative power of sports in youth development. The company’s unwavering support, symbolized by this jersey handover, empowers students to dream beyond the limitations of their circumstances.
The Impact of ETL’s investment will be felt not only during the LISA Games but also in classrooms, communities, and the lives of young athletes who are being equipped with essential life skills. With a vision rooted in empowering young people, promoting sportsmanship, and fostering unity, ETL sets a powerful example of corporate responsibility that goes beyond business, focusing on building a brighter future for Lesotho’s youth.
This handover marks another step in a shared journey between ETL and LISA, a journey that prioritizes the development of young talent, strengthens communities, and positions Lesotho for long-term social and economic success.
As the handover process continues across the country, students, teachers, and communities are reminded of the immense potential within every young person, waiting to be unleashed through the power of sport.
This initiative is part of ETL’s broader mission to promote sports as a tool for youth development across the country.