Econet puts more effort on football

 

Econet aims to include all stakeholders in football fraternity for the sport development from the grassroots to premier league levels.

They believe that premier teams should be given an opportunity to play in Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka where there are no premier league teams.

As a result all people would have the feel of football and enjoy like any Mosotho.

Econet consultant Solly Mofoka said they are working with Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) to effect challenges in the football arena.

Mofoka admitted that Econet PLMC did not start properly last year at the beginning of Econet premier league, therefore they apologise for that.

Solly Mofoka one of the directors of Bokamoso – MMS JV, joint venture that has been appointed by ETL to develop the football in the country shared Lesotho experiences regarding football challenges.

Mofoka indicated that they have identified some of the challenges faced by football in the country.

They included lack of funds and improper administration. He said there is a need to develop clear brands with football in Lesotho.

He advocated that plain sponsorships packages and marketing and communication ought to be widened.

There is lack of data base of clubs supporters and the followers of the sport.

Mofoka is ascertaining that if all stakeholders work together in this effort football would be well developed in the near future.

Econet is the main sponsor of premier league with the tune of six million Maluti for the period of three seasons from 2017.

Therefore, Premier League Management Committee pockets two million Maluti during each season to run the league.

The other director of Bokamoso- MMS JV Mathe Seholoholo said this initiative of football development in the country is just the foundation.

He is adamant that they cannot change the situation completely in the coming two seasons of sponsorship period.

The former Matlama player and a coach showed that the aim is to bring all stakeholders on board for the growth of football in the country.

He said they started with media and teams’ representation. From there they will approach Lesotho Football Association as the custodian of the sport and other stakeholders.

It was agreed that grassroots level should to be taken care of as well, because that’s where players are groomed.

Econet revenue planning manager and executive assistant said there is no budget for grassroots development.

He said they will use some of the revenue collected from the activities by the company for all unbudgeted needs.

Seeiso Molapo appreciated that Econet alone cannot achieve this aspiration, but with the involvement of other sponsors it would be possible.

He said there are potential sponsors who have shown willingness to come on board, but he did not expose them.