Mokhotlong, Aug.19 — The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Football for Schools Programme will be piloted in 10 Primary Schools in the district for proper development of children in football from as early as six years old.
The Youth Development Officer from Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) Mr. Mojese Matamane said this had a handing over event of jersey and footballs held in Mokhotlong town on Wednesday.
Each of the 10 schools received 15 pairs of jersey and socks as well as 10 footballs.
Mr. Matamane said the programme is intended to provide children with basic skills and techniques on football in order to develop them into professional players who can be selected to represent the country at national, regional and international football tournaments in future.
He said the programme targets children from six to 13 years old adding that those are the right ages to invest in football as far as issues of development are concerned.
He further said children have a lot of energy which should be managed properly by engaging them in sporting activities to grow up healthy.
Speaking at the same event was the National Podium Performance Coordinator Ms. ‘Mathabo Rathebe from Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission said the Women Football Desk recommended that the programme be implemented to develop girls with football skills because of the potential that Mokhotlong district already has.
She added that Mokhotlong is among few districts of Lesotho that have girls participating at the national ladies soccer team hence the need to develop more girls.
Ms. Rathebe said since girls are delicate in nature, they need Coaches with courage and tolerance to train them.
Also speaking was the Acting President of the Mokhotlong District Football Association Mr. Lenka Mokhethi who appreciated the implementation of the programme in the district saying it will go a long way in developing young players in schools.
Standing in for the District Administrator was Mr. Mathealira Khatleli who urged the schools to use the football equipment for the purpose it has been provided for in order to make the implementation of the programme successful in the district.
The Primary Schools that benefited from the programme included Mokhotlong LEC, Harvesters, Seeiso, Lebopo, Nkotoane, Mojakisane, St. Peter’s, St. James, Ntlholohetsane and Poso.
FIFA Football for Schools is a global initiative run by FIFA in partnership with UNESCO. It aims to make football accessible to boys and girls by providing them with basic football-based play and training into national school education systems, reaching millions of children worldwide to teach essential life skills.
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