Mikia Kalati
The Lesotho Commonwealth Games team is brimming with confidence as the multisport event roars into life today in Glasgow, Scotland.
A total of 27 athletes would be representing the country in squash, table tennis, swimming, athletics and boxing during the 23 July to 3 August competition.
The team’s head of delegation, Letsatsi Ntsibolane, told the Lesotho Times from Glasgow on Tuesday this week that the spirit has been very high among the athletes in the run-up to the four-yearly event, which brings together contestants mainly from former British colonies.
“We have had a very successful (two-week) camp in Wales and each of these athletes are waiting for the Games to begin on Thursday,” Ntsibolane said.
“I can tell you that the Wales camp was very helpful as we did not only get the opportunity to use first-class facilities, but we were also provided with top-class experts who helped improve our athletes.”
Ntsibolane said the only concern was the injury to marathon-runner, Masilo Motjeane, who has since stopped training.
“Our medical team will be assessing him and at this stage, a decision is yet to be reached whether or not he will take part.”
Ntsibolane further said a lot would be expected from sprinter, Mosito Lehata, who has been doing well in big competitions in Europe, leading to the Glasgow Games.
“He is our top athlete and we are confident that he will live up to expectations.
“However, it is not only him who has been doing well of late, as a lot of our athletes have been performing very well in different competitions, while the camp held in Wales has also helped a lot to improve the fitness and readiness of the athletes.”
According to Ntsibolane , boxer Mokhotho Moroke, who won a silver medal at the African Boxing Championship held in South Africa last month, was also taken through intensive training due to his potential to win a medal at the Games.
“This is a boy who has shown a lot of potential and we utilised the experts and facilities that we had during our camp in Wales to polish-up a few of his weaknesses. All in all, I think our team is more than ready to compete,” he said.
