Mikia Kalati
The Lesotho Basketball Association (LBA) is hoping to enter into a long-term partnership with Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB).
The association received sponsorship which helped in the staging of a successful Summer Slam basketball competition at Lehakoe courts over the weekend.
LBA secretary general, Palo Mohlotsane, on Tuesday expressed gratitude for the MMB sponsorship which included 15 sets of basketball hoops as well as 22 balls.
“We have something in store for basketball lovers, but the deal will only be revealed next year after we have finalised everything with MMB,” Mohlotsane said.
“What I can tell you is that the two organisations are in talks about taking basketball to new heights in 2016.”
The sponsorship, he added, could see MMB bankrolling the League as well as the association’s high schools basketball programmes.
Mohlotsane added players also received energy drinks and water from MMB during the weekend tournament.
“We had support from different corners of our country and we really appreciate this gesture because the reason behind staging that tournament was to give back to the community,” said Mohlotsane.
Meanwhile, LBA champions, BBH, won the Summer Slam after defeating rivals KTA 80-75 in the final.
“The tournament was a massive success just like the previous editions. However, what made it even more exciting was to see two local teams in the final.
“It showed that the level of competition has grown in our country as there was one team from Swaziland taking part.”
Last year’s winners, Jozi Nuggets from South Africa, did not take part in this year’s tournament.
Mohlotsane also said it was gratifying to see their development team, Bokamoso, playing in the Mangaung International Challenge in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The competition only featured under-15, u/18 and u/20 teams in both male and female categories.
“Bokamoso is an initiative from our president; it is a team that competes in our national league as well as junior championships.
“The reason behind its formation is to scout for young talent, give them the platform to play and also expose them to international competition.
“We are hopeful that this initiative will help us produce top-class players.”
