By Moorosi Tsiane
MASERU — Ahead of the regional Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) youth competition set for next week, the National football Under-20 side, Makoanyane XI, received a M111 825 financial boost from insurance company, Metropolitan Lesotho.
The sponsorship is expected to cover the team’s necessities which include sporting kits.
Metropolitan Head of Retail, Makhakhe Maliehe, said the money was for the advancement of the good relations shared between the company and the team.
He said the company felt that they needed to do something to boost Makoanyane XI’s confidence by ensuring they look presentable for the competition.
Maliehe added that this is a special year for both parties as this is the first time Lesotho gets the honour to host the youth sub-regional tournament.
“This is a very special year for the team and, as the sponsors, we felt we have to make sure that the players look presentable,” Maliehe said.
He said football is one of the products that can improve the country’s economy but only if it can be nurtured. Maliehe pointed out that they will continue sponsoring the youth side provided they “continue with the impressive form”.
Meanwhile, Makoanyane XI coach, Moses Maliehe, said the sponsorship came at the right time when the team needed it the most.
He said they have been in long preparations as a team and now they will fight hard to make sure they win the tournament.
“We have been preparing for the competition for some time now and what remains is for us to make the nation proud by winning the competition.
“I believe that playing on home soil will work to our advantage,” Maliehe said.
The national team coach urged the nation to rally behind the team as they need all the support they can get to ensure a positive outcome.
Metropolitan Lesotho has been sponsoring the Under-20 national soccer team for the past three years.
