SA soccer legends to inspire local youngsters

… bid to raise awareness against drug and substance abuse

NTOMBINI SEMELLA

MASERU – South African football legends, Doctor Khumalo and Jabu Pule will be among the soccer greats of yesteryear set to inspire local youngsters and help raise awareness against drug abuse at a coaching clinic scheduled for Maseru next month. One of the event organisers, ’Mantsane Matekane, said football dignitaries from both Lesotho and South Africa will spearhead the one-day workshop slated for March 31 at Pitso Ground. Matekane said as part of inspiring youngsters to fall in love with the sport, football luminaries from the past will play against each other at Setsoto Stadium on April 1.

She said among local football legends expected to participate at the event includes former Matlama, Likhopo and Bantu goalkeeper, Liteboho Mokhesi along with ex-Linare, Rovers, FC Likhopo, and Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder, Kabelo Mosothoane.  “The football game is meant to build these young people to become active players themselves,” said Matekane at a press briefing held at the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) in Maseru on Tuesday this week.  

“We are trying to find a way to rescue and help these young children to avoid roaming the streets, which exposes them to substance abuse.” Matekane added: “We resolved the issue by having a soccer clinic that will be held at Pitso Ground on March 31, where they will meet soccer players from past years to get motivation, while on April 1 there will be a big football game between football legends from both Lesotho and South Africa, with the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Jabu Pule, Liteboho Mokhesi and Kabelo Mosothoane at the Setsoto Stadium.”

Another organiser, ’Mahlompho Liphoto, said: “In the past, there were other forms of entertainment such as traditional games, which helped us to interact with other children. But nowadays such games are no longer popular and children resort to drugs, especially during festive seasons. Substance abuse lands most young children in mental health institutions. “We, therefore, decided to use football in this campaign as a way that will help move the youth’s minds from taking drugs.” Former FC Likhopo, Bantu, and Orlando Pirates reserve side player, Tefo ‘Chicco’ Maipato who also attended the press briefing said: “Drugs destroy our nation and they have a negative impact on the society, especially in Maseru.” TRC held the press conference in collaboration with the volunteers from the Thomsons Group of Companies (TGC) with a view to combating drug abuse, with the aid of the Anti-Drug Association Lesotho (ADAL).