MASERU — An English Football Association (FA) official says the Lesotho Football Association (Lefa) is on the right track in its efforts to develop local football.
FA business support manager Paul Mullen told the Lesotho Times he had seen big improvements in Lesotho’s football since he first came to the country in April last year to review Lefa’s structures.
This time round he was in the country to conduct a workshop for 40 local football administrators.
The workshop started last Friday and ended on Monday with participants receiving certificates of attendance.
“I have seen some big improvements in Lesotho’s football,” Mullen said on Monday.
“There has been some positive changes implemented by Lefa and I believe they are in the right direction.”
Mullen said Lefa had improved local football by attracting a “big league sponsor” — Vodacom Lesotho — as well as providing women’s football with an office and equipment.
“For example, they have managed to find an office and equipment for girls and women’s football as well as finding a new big sponsor, Vodacom,” he said.
Mullen said there were also other achievements that Lefa had managed to accomplish since he visited last year.
“There are a lot more positive things that are happening in Lesotho,” he said.
“They now have better computer systems, the internet is running and they can use e-mail easily.
“There is also a new website, not finished as yet, but it’s better now and modern.”
Mullen said former league champions Lioli’s initiative to fence their home ground in Teyateyaneng was also a good sign that Lefa was working hard to improve the game in the country.
“I was very impressed to read the Lesotho Times online while in England saying one of the Premier League teams is building a fence around its ground,” he said.
“I believe this will help decrease the level of violence during Premier League matches and it’s a good sign that Lesotho’s football is improving.”
Mullen however said there were other areas that were still crying out for improvements.
“We can’t run away from the fact that there are many more things that can be improved within the association,” he said.
