Mikia Kalati
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) is holding a five-day conditioning course for coaches in collaboration with the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).
The course, which is being held at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, began on Monday and comes to an end tomorrow.
French fitness-trainer Jean Pierre Barreau is conducting the course, which has attracted premier league and national team coaches.
LeFA technical director, Lehlohonolo Thotanyana, on Tuesday told the Lesotho Times that 28 coaches are attending the course, among them national team (Likuena) mentor Seephephe Matete and his assistant Halemakale Mahlaha, and Lioli’s Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu, Mpitsa Marai of LCS, Kick4Life’s Motlalepula Majoro and Bob Mafoso of Likila United.
“This is a special course whose main aim is to teach the coaches about the scientific aspects of fitness and understanding the body of a footballer,” Thotanyana said.
“It is all about educating the coaches in terms of preparing players physically.”
The former Likuena assistant coach, who is also among the most experienced coaches in the country, further said his office would be hosting more courses in future as part of educational programmes aimed at improving the standard of domestic football.
“We will continue with a number of courses as part of our educational programmes to uplift the standard of football in our country,” said Thotanyana.
“We have already had a Confederation of African Football C Licence course since I took over as LeFA technical director (in December last year) and those to follow include ‘B’ license and Advanced Goalkeepers’ courses. There will also be youth coaching courses in the programme.”
Thotanyana, who coached Lioli to the 2012/13 premier league title, also said the ongoing conditioning course is the first of its kind to be held in Lesotho.
“It’s the first time Lesotho is holding such a course, and this instructor is also very experienced as he previously worked with the American national football team and France under-21 side as their fitness coach.”
