By:Pheello Mosesi
The first ever one of a kind Stress Khotso Soccer Tournament is anticipated to set the Mohale’s Hoek correctional Services grounds alight this July 19th and 20th.
The football tournament, organised by the 36-year-old KhotsoCollen Makoetlane is, as he describes, “Intended to help serve as another method of counseling for the inmates at Mohale’s Hoekwhile also triggering as a warning mechanism to help the youth avoid finding themselves in acts that could lead them to imprisonment.”
The tournament is structured in a knockout formation. Eightteams consisting of Majantja supporters, Correctional officials, Old Stock, Nedbank Soccer Club, 2 Lerotholi clubs and twoinmate clubs will eliminate each other on the opening day of the event; Saturday 19th , with the opening game taking place at 8am.
The remaining games all the way leading to the final will then take place on Sunday. However, the event will feature other activities that include artists’ performances, talent showcasing from inmates as well as cosmetic products gifting to the inmates.
“I was moved by hearing that some of the inmates struggle to receive cosmetics as some of them are not from Mohale’s Hoekhence they have no visitors who can assist by availing such products to them. This state of living ends up narrowing their options to having them deciding to join “manomoro” gangs to help them in their struggles in prison,” Makoetlane said.
“I am the first person to organise an event of this nature in Lesotho and this is my first attempt. With that said, the twomonths journey leading up to this event has been filled with daunting challenges especially financially as I had to pull out a lot from my own pocket,” he added.
Despite facing this financial obstacles, he revealed that he is optimistic towards seeing the success of the event as it will also feature the presence of the Minister of Sports and the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
At least two bars of soap, petroleum jelly, toothpaste and a toothbrush – these are the items which Makoetlane will consider the event to have been a success if they are gifted to each inmate. Although the first installment is held in his home district of Mohale’s Hoek, he noted that he is hopeful to see this event grow into an annual event while branching out to other regions with years.
