Econet Telecom Lesotho donated essential rugby equipment worth M25 000 to the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) on Tuesday. The handover took place at Setsoto Stadium and the equipment includes corner flags, marker wedges and post protectors that will be used during games.
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The telecom giants have supported rugby Lesotho for more than a decade now and over an estimated M1.5 million has been pumped into helping the sport by the company.
Whether the help is by buying equipment or dressing up the national team, Likatola, Econet have carried Lesotho rugby on their shoulders and the company also sponsors the country’s top-flight rugby competition, the Econet Rugby League.
All told, there is a great between the two parties, and it was Econet who were first to respond with help when five Mabote Beavers women’s team players tragically lost their lives in a car accident in 2019.
The team were on their way to play in the Mangaung Rugby Club in Bloemfontein, South Africa when the five Under-16 girls sadly had their lives cut short.
Econet were quick to offer financial support to the federation and the families of the victims.
Years later, the relationship continues and grows stronger.
Speaking at Tuesday’s handover, Econet’s General Manager-Marketing Communications and Customer Experience ‘Mapusetso Ntšekhe said the partnership grows because the association has taken care of it.
Besides that, Ntšekhe said their aim as a company is to help foster the talent Lesotho possesses in sports.
“We are thrilled to support the Federation of Lesotho Rugby with this vital equipment,” Ntšekhe said.
“Rugby is a sport that brings people together, fosters teamwork, and promotes physical fitness. By providing these items, we hope to contribute to the development and growth of rugby in Lesotho while also continuing to inspire more young people to take up the sport,” she said.
Accepting the equipment, FLR president Fetang Selialia expressed his gratitude to Econet for their continued support.
He said the FLR are excited about the future of rugby in the country and one of the reasons is gestures like this latest one from Econet.
“Econet’s sponsorship and this latest donation are vital to the growth of rugby in our country. With proper equipment we can ensure the safety of our players and the smooth running of our matches. We are excited about the future of rugby in Lesotho, thanks to partners like Econet,” he said.
The relationship between Econet and FLR is not contract based.
Whenever there is a need in rugby, the association meets with Econet to discuss how the company can help.
Tlalane Phahla