Leemisa Thuseho
…as LSRC opposes allowances for young athletes
THE Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has come under fire over what many have described as “embarrassing” allowances reportedly paid to members of the national Under-15 boys’ team that represented the country at the recent FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The tournament ran from 24 to 30 October, with the Lesotho delegation returning home on Sunday.
Ahead of the team’s welcome ceremony on Tuesday, reports emerged that each player had received just M700 in allowances for representing the country at the prestigious international event.
The revelation sparked widespread debate within the football fraternity, with many describing the amount as embarrassing, particularly given that the team had made history by becoming the first Lesotho side to represent the country at a FIFA World Cup event.
Critics argue that a more substantial allowance would have been an appropriate recognition of the players’ efforts and could motivate them in their future development. They also argue that paying legitimate sporting allowances does not automatically amount to child labour.
However, the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) has taken a different position, with its vice-president, Kamohelo Hlomisi, arguing that giving children money could constitute child labour.
The team that represented Lesotho comprised largely of players from the LeFA Academy based at Sacred Heart in Leribe.
At the tournament, Lesotho finished 116th out of 189 participating countries overall. The team was ranked 27th among the 54 African nations and seventh among the 14 COSAFA member associations that took part.
Lesotho recorded three victories and five defeats in its eight matches.
Speaking at the team’s welcome ceremony at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, Hlomisi came out strongly against monetary payments to young athletes, arguing that such practices could constitute child labour.
“We are not encouraged to give kids money,” Hlomisi said.
“Appreciation certificates are the best things we can give them. My education in sport tells me that children are not supposed to be given money.
“We start paying people when they reach 18. Below that age, it is child labour, for which one can be sued. We have a safeguarding policy that we must implement to help mould and develop children properly for the future.”
Meanwhile, LeFA president, Lijane Nthunya, urged the young players to ignore negative media reports and remain focused on their football development.
Nthunya, who appeared reluctant to directly address concerns surrounding the reported M700 allowances, called for unity within the football fraternity, insisting that his executive was working to improve the game in Lesotho.
“The evil spirit must stay out of football. Whatever you (players) see or hear in the media, just leave it. It is negative,” Nthunya said.
“Let us cooperate to build these kids. As the leader of LeFA, I am working very hard to make things right.”
He also urged parents to continue supporting their children and encouraged them to approach his office whenever they had concerns about the association’s operations.
