Moorosi Tsiane
MATEKANE Group of Companies (MGC) has pledged to purchase an omnibus to the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC).
The pledge comes in the wake of the tragic death of five female rugby players in an accident in Free State last month.
This was announced by the newly appointed LSRC chief executive officer Sechaba Mokhameleli at a joint media briefing by the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR), Econet Telecom Lesotho, LSRC and Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) this week.
Mokhameleli said MGC made the pledge at the burial of one of the players.
“The team was travelling with a bakkie when the accident occurred but maybe this could have been avoided,” Mokhameleli said.
“That was one of the reasons for which MGC announced at the funeral of one of these players that they would donate a 22-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter for all our national federations, which will help them on their trips.”
He said the car would however, remain under the custody of the LSRC.
Mokhameleli thanked MGC and all the companies that have supported the rugby federation since last month.
“We are grateful for the support that we have received from all the companies that have stood with the rugby federation during all this time.
“I hope and wish that more companies can come out in numbers and invest in sports and not only come out when there is a bereavement. We also need them in the good times.
“Over and above the funds given to the families by different companies, there is another M100 000 which came from the government which we will disburse to the bereaved families once the deceased players have been buried.
“We will also soon claim money from a life insurance policy held with the Lesotho National Insurance Group LNIG which covers players and the families will also get that money,”
FLR chief executive officer Litšitso Motšeremeli also revealed that LNIG were the latest company to donate to the bereaved families after giving out M42 000. The money was shared among the families.
He said they were grateful to everyone who had assisted them during the funerals of the players.
“We also thank all the companies (Econet Telecom Lesotho M25 000, LNIG M42 000, MGC M25 000, PostBanks M10 000 and Upper Qeme food donations) that supported us with the preparations of the funeral.
“Lesotho Funeral Services also helped in transporting the bodies from South Africa, and also donated coffins and also provided the hearses.”
Motšeremeli also announced that three of their players have been picked for the Free State rugby team which plays in provincial leagues.
“Three of our other players namely Mokiase Phasumane, Palesa Pitso and Reitumetsi Motsieloa, were selected into the Free State team last weekend.”
LNIG sales manager Qamako Mahao said they felt obliged to assist as this was a national cause and not an FLR issue. He said they also wanted to ensure that the players had a decent send off.
