Lesotho claims silver at Regional Rugby Sevens in Burundi

Likatola captain Samuel Takama...

Lesotho claimed silver at the 2018 Rugby Africa Regional Sevens South tournament on Sunday after falling 15-5 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.

The result, however, wasn’t enough for Likatola to advance to next year’s Africa Men’s Sevens championship.

The four-team Regional Sevens South tournament was held in the Burundi capital, Bujumbura, on Saturday and Sunday.

It featured hosts Burundi, Congo Brazzaville, DRC and Lesotho.

It was one of two regional rugby sevens tournament organised by Rugby Africa in September to select teams to be promoted to the 2019 Africa Men’s Sevens and then contest qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The other tournament was held in Ivory Coast earlier last month and was contested by eight West African nations – Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea, Niger and Mali.

In addition to being promoted to the 2019 Africa Men’s Sevens competition and the 2020 Olympic qualifiers, the Regional Sevens tournaments represented an opportunity for Rugby Africa’s technical staff to evaluate and scout talent.

On Saturday, Lesotho beat hosts Burundi 45-0 but lost 12-7 to Congo Brazzaville and 26-5 to the DRC.

The results of the first day resulted in Lesotho facing Congo Brazzaville and DRC playing Burundi in the semi-finals Lesotho beat Congo Brazzaville 17-0 to reach the final. However, Likatola fell 15-5 to DRC in the title decider.

Rugby Africa’s Sevens tournament is named “Africa Men’s Sevens” and is held every year to crown an African champion.

Lesotho’s Results:

Day 1:

Burundi 0-45 Lesotho

DRC 26-5 Lesotho

Lesotho 7-12 Congo Brazzaville

Day 2:

Semi-finals:

Lesotho 17-0 Congo Brazzaville

Finals:

DRC 15-5 Lesotho

SA All-Stars crowned 2018 Lesotho Rugby Sevens champions

Setsoto Stadium was the place to be for rugby lovers
this past weekend...

South Africa All-Stars beat the Blue Bulls in an all-South African final to win the Lesotho Rugby Sevens tournament held at Setsoto Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.

After scraping through the semi-finals, the SA All-Stars team delivered a stylish performance to see off the Bulls 33-7 in a one-sided Cup final at the national stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Zambia, who won their home Sevens tournament in Lusaka a few weeks ago, finished third in the tournament after beating home favourites Maseru Select 35-5 in the bronze medal clash.

Lesotho’s senior side, Likatola, also ended off the tournament with a defeat when they went down 19-12 to the Spartans Barbarians in the Trophy final.

Earlier on Sunday’s finals day, the SA All-Stars and Zambia gave the crowd a thrilling semi-final which was decided by just two points. All-Stars prevailed 21-19 despite a spirited performance by the Zambia.

In the other semi-final the Blue Bulls beat the Lesotho Invitational team 21-10. The 2018 Lesotho Rugby Sevens was the second edition of the championship which was launched last year and was won by Zimbabwe.

Maseru Select make history by contesting Eastern Free State Rugby semi-finals

Maseru Select (in orange) in action against Ficksburg earlier in the season...

Lesotho will have a team in the semi-finals of the Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League for the first time when Maseru Select take on Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere on Saturday.

The semi-finals will be played at Phuthaditjhaba Stadium in Qwa-Qwa, Free State.

In the other semi-final, hosts Qwa-Qwa will battle Ladybrand for the right to contest the final.

Maseru Select’s appearance in the last four is the first time Lesotho has a team in the semis of the Griffons League – a 10-team championship contested by clubs from South Africa’s Free State province and Maseru Select as a guest team.

Maseru Select played their home games this season in Ladybrand and the side is made up of players from teams in the top-flight National Rugby Championships – Maseru Warriors, Mabote Beavers, National University of Lesotho Spears, LDF Liqhomane and Giants Rugby.

Maseru Select’s semi against Eastern Free State heavyweights Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere will start at 14:00. The two semi-final winners will play in the final while the losers will contest a third-place playoff.

Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League semi-finals:

Phuthaditjhaba Stadium, Saturday

Bethlehem Oud-Skoliere v Maseru Select

Qwa-Qwa v Ladybrand

Maseru Select aiming for top four finish in Free State Rugby League

Maseru Select are aiming for a top four finish in this year’s Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League.

The Lesotho all-star side kick off their season away to Ficksburg Rugby Club on Saturday and are hoping to build on a promising 2017 campaign. To prepare, the side has been training every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Griffons League is a 10-team championship which is contested by clubs from South Africa’s Free State province and Maseru Select. The competition will get underway this weekend and run until June.

Maseru Select, who will play their home games in Ladybrand, is made up of players from teams in the top-flight National Rugby Championships, namely: Maseru Warriors, Mabote Beavers, National University of Lesotho Spears, LDF Liqhomane and Giants Rugby.

In the build-up to their Griffons League campaign, coaches Roy Nyasha-Zhou and Moleleki Moleleki selected a 40-man squad for the competition’s duration although only 22 players will attend games on match-day.

The technical team has set a criterion that will be used to select players for each game. Its four points are: practice attendance, performance, discipline, commitment.

Maseru Select’s opener in Ficksburg is part of a three-game away run to start the season with the side’s first home game only coming on April 21 against Skoliere.

Even so, Federation of Lesotho Rugby secretary general Litšitso Motšeremeli said the team is up for the challenge.

“We don’t know much about (Ficksburg) but they are a South African team so we are expecting a very tough match. But our preparations are very good; all expected players are attending practices. Our team is ready,” he said.

The Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League outing will also serve to help Lesotho’s preparations for the Rugby Africa Bronze Cup scheduled for May 9 to 12 in Ghana.

With Lesotho looking to continue its steady progress up Africa’s rugby ladder, Motšeremeli said Maseru Select have set themselves a lofty bar for the Griffons League: “We are aiming to at least be in the top four.”

Maseru Select’s Fixtures:

Date	Opponent	Venue
17/03/18	Ficksburg	Away
24/03/18	Ladybrand	Away
07/04/18	Qwa-Qwa Leopards	Away
21/04/18	Skoliere	Home
05/05/18	Collegiance	Away
12/05/18	Ficksburg	Home
19/05/18	Ladybrand	Home
09/06/18	Qwa-Qwa Leopards	Home
16/06/18	Skoliere	Away
31/06/18	Collegiance	Home

Squad:

Samuel Takama, Lapi Matsoso, Tlali Nkuka, Chabana Mokone, Khooa Lefa, Motheo Mokhothu, Metsing Mahloane, Thabiso Molise, Linakane Kellelo, Paul Marie, Mofundisi Bokang, Mokhele Sechaba, Molumo Rethabile, Tšepo Nomandla, Tinashe Mugayi, Lebohang Ntsinyi, Moabi Motlatsi, Karabo Mphaki, Thabiso Letsie, Letlatsa Letompa, Retsilisitsoe Thantsi, Ncheke Bokang, Mohasi Lehlohonolo, Mahase Liteboho, Tikoe Phupu, Mosoeu Semethe, Tumo Ramoepana, Bokang Seliane, Mochai Kamohelo, Kubutu Makhakhe, Ntsang Mater, Lebatla Lebatla, Molefi Qejoane, Ntsane Mahlatsi, Kalipa, Selebalo, Thabiso Makuta, Abdul, Bonki Mochesane, Mosala Makeka

Maseru Select to compete in Free State Rugby League

Maseru Select will return to the Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League in March 

The Maseru Select rugby team will once again take part in the Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League in 2018.

The 10-team championship which is contested by clubs in South Africa’s Free State province will start on March 17 and run until June.

The invitation from the league is a welcome boost for Lesotho rugby.

Maseru Select is a selection squad made up of the best players from clubs in the country’s top-flight, the Lesotho Rugby Championship.

The teams are Maseru Warriors, Mabote Beavers, National University of Lesotho Spears, LDF Liqhomane and Giants Rugby.

Maseru Select competed in the Griffons league last year after skipping the 2016 edition and the outing is good news for Lesotho with the national team preparing for the Africa Cup Bronze Cup in May where Likatola will battle Mauritius, Rwanda and hosts Ghana.

Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) secretary general Litšitso Motšeremeli said competing in the Griffons Rugby Eastern Free State League against experienced South African opposition has played a major role in improving Lesotho players’ and providing them exposure to international competition.

Lesotho first participated in the league in 2013 and during that time Likatola have risen from affiliate status to Rugby Africa’s lowest tier – the Division 2 Cup – and now to the Bronze Cup. In total, Lesotho has won six of its nine test matches since its international debut in 2012.

“Since the FLR was formed (in 2011), this league is one of the platforms we have used to groom our players, even the current Likatola players gained their competence through the league. Therefore we are happy that we are back again,” Motšeremeli said.

Maseru Select will play their Griffons League home games in Ladybrand and Motšeremeli said this year the FLR will be looking to put together a younger squad in order to start grooming the next group of stars for Likatola.

Maseru Select have also received an invitation to the annual Welkom Easter Rugby tournament to be played over the Easter holidays.

The competition is hosted by the Bronville Pioneer Club in Free State and last year Maseru Select finished second losing to the home side, Bronville Pioneer, in the final.

The upcoming duo of tournaments will help Lesotho’s preparations for the Rugby Africa Bronze Cup scheduled for May 9 to 12. Likatola assistant coach Morapeli Motaung said the high-level of competition coming up is a timely boost.

“The league consists of highly competitive clubs from South Africa and I believe they are of the right standard to give our players a good challenge,” Motaung said.

Lesotho’s Rugby Africa Bronze Cup debut set for May

Likatola hoping for more success in 2018...

Lesotho’s debut in the Rugby Africa Bronze Cup has been set for May in Accra, Ghana.

Likatola will be making their first-ever appearance in the tournament which is the third tier of the annual Africa Cup.

The competition will be contested by four nations and Lesotho will take on Mauritius in the semis for a place in the final.

Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda and hosts Ghana are the sides that will lock horns and the tournament has been scheduled for May 9 to 12 with the winners set to be promoted to the second tier Silver Cup.

Likatola booked their spot in the Bronze Cup last November by winning the Rugby Africa Regional Challenge for southern nations ahead of Malawi and Swaziland.

The promotion was the high point of Likatola’s rapid rise and now the team sits on the doorstep of being counted amongst Africa’s top rugby nations.

Lesotho’s rise has been helped by playing regularly against international opponents.

Last September, the country made its debut at the International Lusaka Rugby Sevens Tournament. Several weeks later the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) hosted the first-ever Maseru International Sevens at Setsoto Stadium which had visitors from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Mauritius.

The experience has helped boost Lesotho’s confidence on the international stage but Likatola team manager Letsielo Mabitle said further improvements still have to be made with the level of competition set to increase again in Ghana.

“The players have gained confidence by playing international games; they just have to adjust when it comes to their level of play, especially against such countries that are very strong physically. We again have to work on our weaknesses in order to raise our game,” Mabitle said.

The format of Rugby Africa’s annual continental competition for its member nations – the Africa Cup – was modified last year with changes to the names of its three different tiers to Gold, Silver and Bronze.

·         The Gold Cup is the tier 1 event and is contested by the continent’s six strongest teams. In 2017 the contenders were Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, Senegal, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.

·         The Silver Cup is the tier 2 tournament and it is made up of four teams. In 2017 it was contested by Botswana, Ivory Coast, Madagascar and Morocco.

·         The Bronze Cup is the tier 3 event and is divided into a Group North and a Group South. Last year the northern group contained Nigeria, Algeria and Cameroon. In 2018 the southern group will comprise of Lesotho, Mauritius, Rwanda and Ghana.

Rugby Africa Bronze Cup Schedule:

May 9

Semi-finals:

Lesotho v Mauritius

Ghana v Rwanda

May 12

3rd place playoff

Final

2018 rugby season to kick-off February 3

The Lesotho Rugby Championship will get underway on February 3 

After months of waiting, the 2018 rugby season will finally get underway on February 3 with the fourth edition of the Lesotho Rugby Championship.

Launched in 2015, the league has gone from strength to strength and will again see further growth this year with another team – the Lesotho Defence Force Liqhomane – joining the mix.

Liqhomane’s first appearance in the championship comes after they excelled during last November’s National Sevens League where they finished runners-up to Maseru Warriors.

With Liqhomane’s addition, the Lesotho Rugby Championship now has an all-time high number of seven teams.

This year’s contenders are reigning champions Maseru Warriors, 2016 champions Mabote Beavers, Swallows, Maseru Warriors, Giants Rugby, Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) ‘Lioalaoala’, the National University of Lesotho Spears and Liqhomane.

The woman’s league will also kick off on the same day. The competition will be contested by Lancers Jaguars, Lesia Wolves, ‘Mabathoana Unicorns, Mabote Beavers, Maseru Warriors, NUL Spears and Swallows Rugby Club.

The opening round of games will be held at a venue that is yet to be announced.

Lesotho Rugby Championship reaches business end

Who will be on top?
The Lesotho Rugby Championship is reaching its final stages...

The league phase of the Lesotho Rugby Championship ends on Saturday with an intriguing round of games at the Makoanyane Barracks sports grounds. The matches will decide the seedings for the four teams that will contest the championship playoffs next weekend.

The pick of the day’s three ties is the clash between the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Spears, who top the log standings, and second placed Maseru Warriors. The game will start at 14:00.

Spears have been the league’s standout team this season.

The university side have won seven of their eight games and own the best defensive and offensive records in the league. However, Spears could still mathematically be pipped to the top seed by Warriors, who were beaten finalists in last year’s Rugby Championship. Warriors, who have won five of their eight outings, have 28 points while Spears have 33.

The side that beat Warriors last year is Mabote Beavers but the defending champions have found the going tougher this season. Beavers are fourth in the standings and will likely have the difficult task of facing the winner between Spears and Warriors in next week’s playoffs.

However, before then, Beavers have to end their league campaign with a tricky game against LDF Liqhomane. The match will start at 16:00.

The day’s other fixture will be played at 12:00 and will see third-placed Giants take on bottom side Swallows.

Giants won the inaugural Rugby Championship in 2015 but missed last year’s competition because of suspension. They will be looking to establish momentum for the playoffs with a good performance against struggling Swallows.

Weekend Fixtures:

Giants v Swallows (12:00)

NUL Spears v Maseru Warriors (14:00)

LDF Liqhomane v Mabote Beavers (16:00)

Lesotho Rugby Championship Standings:

		P	W	D	L	PF	PA	Pts.
1	NUL Spears	8	7	0	1	165	35	33
2	Warriors	8	5	1	2	115	60	28
3	Giants	6	4	0	2	75	40	18
4	Mabote Beavers	8	4	1	3	65	90	13
5	LCS Lioalaoala	3	1	0	2	15	50	4
6	Swallows	8	0	0	8	25	80	2