Lesotho Football Association’s Advocate Shale Shale Joins AFCON Disciplinary Panel

The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) is making its presence felt at the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Advocate Shale Shale, Chairperson of LeFA’s Disciplinary and Disputes Committee, serving on the tournament’s disciplinary panel.

LeFA Communications and Media Manager, Mr. Mikia Kalati, confirmed that since Monday, Advocate Shale, alongside the Disciplinary Board panel members Ms. Jane Njeri Onyango and Mr. Drucil Taylor, have addressed eight disciplinary cases involving top teams at the group stage. Cases include misconduct by Benin’s coach and players, Senegal supporters’ use of smoke bombs, and flare incidents involving Algeria. Advocate Shale and assistant referee Souru Phatsoane are LeFA’s two representatives at the continental event hosted in North Africa.

In parallel, LeFA is preparing to enhance local coaching standards through the CAF C License Coaching Course, set to begin next Tuesday at Bambatha Tsita Sports Arena. Thirty local coaches will participate, instructed by experienced LeFA Coach Educators, including former Technical Director Mr. Lehlohonolo Thotanyana and Dr. Kabelo Ramolula, a lecturer at the National University of Lesotho.

Kalati explained that over 100 applications were received for the course, but only 30 local coaches could be accommodated, prioritising domestic development. No international applications were considered to focus on training Lesotho’s coaching talent. Recent changes under the CAF Coaching Convention mean that former national team players, who previously received waivers to start coaching badges at the CAF D License, must now complete the CAF D License before enrolling for the CAF C License course.

LeFA’s involvement at AFCON and investment in local coaching development highlights the association’s commitment to advancing Lesotho’s football standards on both continental and domestic levels.