Lesotho unveils boxers for IBA Youth World Champs

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – The Lesotho Boxing Association (LeBA) has revealed the eight talented boxers who will represent the nation at the upcoming International Boxing Association (IBA) Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships. Set to take place from October 22 to November 3 in Budva, Montenegro, this global event promises to be a defining moment for Lesotho’s youth fighters as they step into the ring to battle for glory on the international stage.

According to LeBA’s Public Relations Officer, Taole Letšasa, the national team is composed of four women and four men, each of whom has worked tirelessly to earn their place on this prestigious platform. The women’s team includes ’Masentje Tjamela, Reaboha Seqoete, ’Matšepo Mohato, and Reitumetse Mokoma, while the men’s team features Keketso Maepe, Reabetsoe Mokhitli, Tefelo Khoarahla, and Leshoboro Lerotholi.

Each of these athletes has demonstrated impressive skill, passion, and resilience, making them worthy representatives of Lesotho at the championships. However, despite the excitement surrounding their participation, preparations have been far from smooth. Letšasa revealed that the association had originally planned to send the boxers for sparring sessions outside the country to ensure they were well-prepared for the championships.

Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, these plans had to be scrapped. “We wanted to go for sparring sessions against other teams outside the country, but that did not happen due to a lack of funds,” Letšasa said. Sparring with international teams would have provided valuable experience for the boxers, allowing them to gauge their skills against different styles and improve their techniques in a competitive environment.

Despite the setback, the boxers are doing their best to prepare, holding sparring sessions at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru. While these sessions are beneficial, Letšasa emphasised the importance of competing in tournaments or engaging in international sparring sessions to enhance the boxers’ chances of success in Montenegro. “Our boxers are busy with sparring sessions at the stadium, but still, they need tournaments or sparring sessions outside the country for better preparation,” he said.

In a bid to gain some international exposure before the championships, the team is hopeful of attending a tournament in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. But, as Letšasa pointed out, this, too, will depend on the availability of funds. “There is another invitation for a tournament in the Eastern Cape, and we are hoping to attend in preparation for the IBA Youth World Championships,” he said. “But again, it would depend on the availability of funds.”

Despite these financial challenges, the team is optimistic. Letšasa confirmed that the plan is for the boxers to depart for Montenegro on October 18, although their departure is contingent on receiving the necessary visas. “We are yet to confirm when the team will exactly leave for the championships as we are waiting for visas, but our plan is for the team to leave on October 18 so that it will arrive on time,” he said.

In a positive development, the IBA has stepped in to provide significant support to participating teams, covering accommodation costs for all athletes and three coaches from each national federation. Chris Roberts, IBA Secretary General and CEO, highlighted the importance of this gesture in supporting the development of young athletes.

“This is one more testimony to our commitment to delivering the best to our athletes. We need to create the best possible conditions for our young athletes to raise these superstars along the pathway to eventually elite boxing,” Letšasa also said. Lesotho’s boxers will be under the guidance of three coaches: Tieho Ntulo, Diamond Lengola, and Velaphy Snyman, who will play pivotal roles in ensuring the athletes are well-prepared both mentally and physically for the competition.

As the team heads toward one of the biggest challenges of their boxing careers, the entire nation will be watching and rooting for them, hopeful that their hard work, talent, and determination will lead them to victory in Montenegro.