Africa-Press – Lesotho. Leribe hosted the 2026 Girls U15 Inter-District Tournament at Tšeliso ‘Saxophone’ Thejane Technical Centre in Maputsoe on Good Friday.
Five North region districts, Mokhotlong, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Berea, and Thaba-Tseka competed in a round-robin format.
Media and Communications Manager of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), Mr. Mikia Kalati said the tournament was used as a scouting platform for talented young girls coming from across the ten districts and was led by FIFA Talent Coach Sam Smith, who heads the LeFA National Academy.
The former Villarreal youth coach, who recently commenced his work in the kingdom, played a key role in scouting for talent in the many of LeFA youth programmes nationwide.
The tournament will then move to Sebatane Russell Technical Centre, pitting South region districts – Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek, Mafeteng, and Maseru – against each other.
Meanwhile, Lipontša Lekuba, one of LeFA’s emerging refereeing talents, has been selected among 19 young continental referees for the CAF African Schools Football Championship slated for Zimbabwe from April 6th-10th.
The Botha-Bothe born has represented Lesotho in regional qualifiers, officiating female finals in Namibia (2024) and South Africa (2025). She’s a product of the LeFA and CAF’s Young Referees Programme, nurturing grassroots talent.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship is a flagship initiative by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, promoting competitive school football.
