Minister Maqelepo Meets New LEFA President to Strengthen Collaboration in Sports Development

The Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Honourable Motlatsi Maqelepo, met yesterday with the newly elected Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) President, Lijane Nthunya. The meeting, which was facilitated by Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) President Baba Malephane, marks the beginning of a renewed partnership between the Ministry and LEFA.

This engagement represents a turning point for the country’s sports administration. It follows years of strained relations between the Ministry and LEFA under the previous leadership. Both institutions have now pledged to work closely to promote sports excellence and create opportunities for young athletes across the nation.

Honourable Maqelepo expressed optimism about the future of Lesotho’s sports sector. He praised the LSRC and LEFA for taking a united approach to rebuilding trust and collaboration. “The challenges of sports infrastructure in our country are profound, and we must stand together to resolve them,” he said. “The unity I see today strengthens our mission to unite Basotho through sport and to help our people earn a living from it.”

The meeting also highlighted key priorities for the coming months. These include improving football infrastructure, enhancing talent development programs, and ensuring that sports contribute to economic growth. Both leaders agreed that progress in these areas requires teamwork, resource sharing, and strong institutional coordination.

New LEFA President Lijane Nthunya emphasized his commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the association. He noted that his leadership will focus on bridging gaps with stakeholders, investing in grassroots football, and positioning Lesotho as a competitive footballing nation in the region.

The LSRC President, Baba Malephane, reaffirmed the Commission’s role as a unifying body in the sports sector. He pledged continued support to all associations working under the LSRC umbrella to ensure that policy implementation aligns with national sports development goals.

The renewed cooperation between the Ministry, LEFA, and LSRC signals a new era for Lesotho’s sporting future. It reflects a shared vision to rebuild the sector, expand participation, and inspire national pride through sports.