—-Outgoing president Motšeremeli ineligible for re-election
AS Litšitso Motšeremeli’s term as Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) president nears its end, speculation is rife that two sporting administrators are vying to succeed him.
The Lesotho Times has learned that the Federation of Judo Lesotho (FJL) president, Baba Malephane, and the Chess Federation of Lesotho (CFL) president, Tšeliso Motloheloa, are both seeking the LSRC presidency.
The LSRC elections are scheduled for June 7, 2025, at a venue yet to be confirmed.
The nomination submission period, which opened on April 14, will close tomorrow.
The voters and nominees lists are expected to be officially published on May 12.
Motšeremeli was elected president in June 2022, and his three-year term has now expired.
According to the LSRC constitution, he is ineligible to run again, as he has already served two consecutive terms. Prior to becoming president, he was an LSRC commissioner from 2019-2022.
In a move to keep Motšeremeli involved in local sports leadership, he has been appointed an honorary member of the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) board, the Lesotho Times has learned.
Motšeremeli, confirmed to the Lesotho Times on Tuesday this week that his term at the LSRC helm is ending soon.
However, he said he would continue to serve the sports community in Lesotho, as he had been appointed an honorary member of the LNOC.
“It is true my term is about to end, and I have to step down,” Motšeremeli told the Lesotho Times.
“As I leave the position, I am working with my team to ensure a smooth transition and to see who we leave in the office to carry on our plans from where we left off.”
Motšeremeli reiterated: “I will still be involved in sports leadership in the country as I have been appointed to the LNOC board as an honorary member.”
The Lesotho Times has further learnt that Motšeremeli is advocating for the appointment of Motloheloa, the current LSRC vice-president, as his successor.
However, Motloheloa could only say: “I have no comment at this point.”
On the other hand, Malephane has openly expressed his intention to run for the LSRC presidency.
“I am being chosen and tasked by the people who believe in me, there is nothing I can do, I will stand,” Malephane told the Lesotho Times on this week.
