Lesotho's Likatola look to Asia, Mathibelle ready for Soweto Marathon

Likatola on the rise

The Lesotho national rugby team looks set to continue its rapid rise by playing two test matches in Asia next year.

The matches are an effort by the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) to meet requirements set by rugby’s governing body World Rugby that member nations should play outside their continent in 2017.

The federation is targeting Indonesia and Malaysia as possible opponents. The FLR is also looking at countries in the Middle East as possible opposition. Lesotho rugby enjoyed a memorable 2016. In May, Likatola finished third at the Africa Cup Division 2 championship in Rwanda. Likatola then ended their year with an impressive 31-11 victory over Malawi away from home in August.

Playing in Asia would be the next step in Likatola’s rapid rise. In total, Lesotho has won four of its seven international matches since its debut in 2014.

Tšepo Mathibelle ready for Soweto Marathon

Moving to athletics and Lesotho marathon specialist Tšepo Mathibelle says his preparations for next month’s Soweto Marathon are on track.

Mathibelle is aiming to continue Lesotho’s good track record at the event. In 2014, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane finished second while Lebenya Nkoka came fifth last year.

The prestigious South African marathon will take place on November 6.

Last month Mathibelle finished second in the 21 kilometre half-marathon at the eThekwini Township2Township Marathon in Durban. The 2016 Rio Olympian said his run in Durban was a timely confidence booster ahead of the Soweto Marathon.