Mikia Kalati
THE winners of the Lesotho Sports Annual Awards (LASA) are finally set to receive their prizes after government released funds for the awards that were held five months ago.
LSRC president Khiba Mohoanyane told the Lesotho Times this week that they have finally received funds from the Sports ministry and the athletes will soon be given their prizes.
“As you know, our awards are sponsored by the ministry of Sports,” Mohoanyane said.
“Apparently there were delays in releasing the funds to us by the ministry which brought the tension between us and all the winners.
“However, the funds are now being processed.”
Chief information officer in the ministry of Sports, Maqalika Matsepe, said the delays were caused by the processes they have to go through to get the funds from the ministry of finance.
“The ministry of Sports gets its money from the ministry of finance on a quarterly basis and because it was for an event that happened in the previous financial year, it takes time to get those funds in the new financial year.
“The funds were released in the last three weeks,” Matsepe said.
Long distance runners Neheng Khatala was among the winners at the awards held on 18 March at Manthabiseng Convention Centre.
Khatala walked away with both the Sportswoman and Sports-star of the year awards bagging M10 000.
The awards were sponsored by the ministry of Sports and the LSRC with every award being worth M5000.
List of winners at the LASA awards in March:
Sports Legends Awards
Rantsubise Matete (media)
Motlatsi Ncholu (media)
Seephephe Matete (football)
Junior Sports Woman of the Year
Malillo Phera (chess)
Junior Sports Man of the Year
Teboho Lelimo (chess)
Sports Column
Mikia Kalati
Sports Reporter of the Year/Photojournalist
Thabelo Monamane
Administration of the Year
Mokhosi Mohapi (football)
Coach of the Year
Mabotile Lebopo (athletics)
Empire/Referee of the Year
Chakatsa Lepole (netball)
Best newcomer of the year
Khabo Suiching (Taekwondo)
National Federation of the Year
Lesotho Boxing Association
Sports Woman of the Year
‘Neheng Khatala (athletics)
Sports Star of the year
‘Neheng Khatala (athletics)
