By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
FIFA delegation arrived for a four-day visit, marking a crucial step forward for the national football infrastructure. The visit commences with an induction training session for the newly appointed Technical Director (TD) of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), Mr. Caswell Moru.
The induction, held at the Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena, is attended by the outgoing TD, Mr. Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, who handed over to his successor. This meeting also marks an essential transition for the national football system, as Mr. Moru steps into his role with expectations to elevate the standards of football development across Lesotho.
The delegation from FIFA includes key figures such as Mr. Jurg Nepfer, Football Development Operations Senior Consultant, Mr. Daniel Limones Garcia, FIFA Talent Coach/Academies Expert, and Mr. Serame Letsoaka, FIFA Regional Technical Consultant. Together, they are providing technical guidance and support for the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) to improve its coaching standards, academy development, and overall football strategy.
Mr. Thotanyana, the outgoing Technical Director, plays an essential role in this transition. His attendance underscores the importance of a smooth leadership transition in football associations, and his extensive experience will remain invaluable to the country’s football development.
The FIFA delegation’s visit is more than just about the technical induction. It also marks the first official visit by FIFA to the LeFA National Academy in Leribe since its opening. The Academy, which is a central hub for football talent development in Lesotho, is a vital part of LeFA’s long-term strategy to foster local football talent and improve the country’s performance on the international stage.
The delegation’s visit to the Academy signals FIFA’s commitment to assisting LeFA in ensuring that the Academy becomes a world-class institution for nurturing footballers from a young age.
This also reinforces FIFA’s dedication to supporting grassroots football, particularly in countries like Lesotho, where the development of local talent is crucial for raising the standard of play in national competitions and improving the overall quality of football.
On Saturday, the FIFA delegation will attend a match featuring teams from the Academy, as they face off against Kick4Life and the Millennium Park Soccer Academy at Bambatha Ts’ita Sports Arena.
This match will serve as a showcase of the progress made by the LeFA Academy in terms of developing young football talent. It will also provide the delegation with a firsthand look at how the Academy’s players perform in competitive environments, helping them assess the effectiveness of the training and coaching programs.
The visit will offer more than just technical insights; it will also highlight the importance of strong relationships between FIFA and local football associations. The collaboration between FIFA and LeFA is a clear indication of the global governing body’s focus on supporting the development of football in all regions, ensuring that football has a bright future at every level in Lesotho.
As FIFA continues to provide essential expertise, resources, and technical knowledge, LeFA is graceful to make significant strides in its football development efforts. This visit serves as a clear signal that LeFA is on the right path, with both local and international stakeholders working together to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of football in Lesotho. With the induction of Mr. Moru as the new Technical Director, the future of football in Lesotho looks promising, with the necessary leadership, guidance, and resources now in place for continued growth and success.