Lephole set for Mirxes Nations Cup debut

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – Chakatsa Lephole, Lesotho’s renowned netball umpire, is poised for a significant career milestone as he prepares to officiate at the prestigious 2024 Mirxes Nations Cup in Singapore next month. This selection by World Netball not only recognises his expertise but also marks him as the sole representative from the African continent.

The Mirxes Nations Cup, set to run from September 1 – 7, will feature top teams from around the globe, supported by a select group of umpires. Lephole’s inclusion alongside prominent officials such as Eranga Sithara from Sri Lanka, Regina Wing Po Wong and Khan Murray from China, Rachael Stebbings from Australia, and others, highlights his growing international reputation.

This will be Lephole’s first time officiating at the Mirxes Nations Cup, a personal achievement that also shines a spotlight on Lesotho’s emerging role in global netball.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Lephole expressed his excitement: “I feel incredibly delighted to be appointed for the said event, and it means a lot to even go and officiate different styles of play for Asians and those other countries.”

Lephole’s path to this prestigious appointment is a result of years of dedication. His last international appearance was at the Netball Africa Cup in Gaborone, Botswana, where he was re-endorsed for the IUA Award.

“This is my first invite for this year, and I feel privileged to be invited, as it seems we have few international series,” he noted, emphasising the rarity of such opportunities for umpires from smaller nations.

The 2024 Mirxes Nations Cup will see teams from Kenya, Canada, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) compete, along with two teams from the host nation Singapore.The tournament, aimed at improving team rankings, also offers Lephole a platform to demonstrate his officiating skills on a global stage.

He is aware of the potential career advancements that could arise from a strong performance: “It also opens up more opportunities if I perform well,” he said. To prepare, Lephole has been rigorously honing his skills, including officiating at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Pretoria, South Africa, last month.

His commitment to maintaining the highest standards in officiating is clear: “I have attended CUCSA Games while also officiating locally and working with other gyms to get myself ready,” he explained.

Lephole’s extensive experience, including officiating at events like the African Youth Games, World Universities Championships, and the Youth Commonwealth Games, has prepared him well for the challenges ahead in Singapore.

As he departs for his debut on August 30, Lephole carries not only the hopes of a nation but also the culmination of years of hard work and passion for netball.