Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has confirmed the country’s participation in six sporting disciplines with 16 athletes in the upcoming 3rd Africa Youth Games (AYG) scheduled to take place from 17th-27th July, 2018 in Algiers, Algeria.
AYG is an international multi-sport event held every four years to complement the All-Africa Games, with eligibility for athletes between the ages of 14 and 17.
According to LNOC Public Relations Officer, Mr Molapo Moshoeshoe, athletics, beach volleyball, boxing, taekwondo, tennis and weightlifting are the selected sporting codes the Mountain Kingdom will participate in.
For sports such as athletics and beach volleyball, this competition will serve as a qualifier for the 2018 Youth Olympics Games to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from the 6th to the 18th October this year.
Under athletics Lesotho will be represented by Matšeliso Seatle (women 1500m), Mojela Konoshe (men 100m) and Tšepang Motjolopane (3000m). In beach volleyball Montšeng Mabea and Matšeliso Nchakha will form the female team while the male team is made up of a pair of Nqheku Lepheane and Liteboho Mohau.
Boxing has Phomolo Lengola (men 56kg) and Lehlohonolo Pitso (75 kg). In taekwondo Teboho Phasumane (female- over 44kg and under 49kg), Katleho Mokone (female- under 44) as well as Tumelo Mosala (male- over 48 and under 55kg) will be the only three expected to fly the Mountain Kingdom flag high.
Under tennis lawn tennis competition in female category Lesotho Kekeletso Moseme and ‘Manyama Maisa as in male category it has Nyathi Motlojoa and Mpaleng Sempe.
All be engaged in singles, double and mixed events. The last two athletes are from weightlifting and they are Relebohile Mokhele (female -44kg) and Raballo Ramonneng (male-56 kg).
Team Lesotho will be led by Mrs ‘Makutloano Kheola as Chef de Mission and talking to Informative Sport she disclosed that LNOC has already staged competitions and camps for players outside the country as part of their preparations.
Informative Sport is also aware that the three taekwondo athletes took part in COSACA tournament held in Swaziland on the 30 June this year. Amongst other outside events, beach volleyball attended friendly matches in Durban South Africa end on last month while weightlifting and tennis also took part in various competition in South Africa.
Therefore she said the team will stated its joint final camp yesterday at Scripture Union. According to her, the team will depart on the 15 and are expected to return on the 29th this month.
Officials management
; ‘Makutloano Kheola (Chef de Mission) and Nthona Tsoanyane (general manager).
Officials sporting
; Thabelo Potloane (coach beach volleyball), Velaphi Snyman (coach boxing), Khothatso Lekanyane (coach Taekwondo), Seapei Senatla (coach tennis), Tseko Chobokoane (coach weightlifting).
LNOC officials
; ’Matlohang Ramoqopo (4th Vice President Anoca), Tlali Rampooana (LNOC President), Morake Raleaka (LNOC Secretary General), Moholo Lekomola and Kokolia Ramabele (LNOC Guests).
Officials for Ministry of Sports
; ‘Mahlompho Mokaeane (Hon Deputy Minister) and Puisano Tšosane as guest.
