Basketball in Africa

MASERU — Lesotho Basketball Association (LBA) public relations officer, Ratšolo Molupe, says basketball is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the country.
Molupe told the Lesotho Times that their national league has become stronger despite the financial struggles that pose a major threat to young Basotho basketball enthusiasts looking to make the best out of their talent.
“The situation is very bad for the sport.
“However, we are not ready to give up the fight and we will continue with the struggle with the hope of getting sponsors soon,” Molupe said.
“We don’t have enough playing courts and the association has to dig deep into their pockets to secure grounds for the games to be played.”
He said the association is faced with sponsorship challenges, which prevented them from getting the necessary equipment and resources to help improve the game in the country.
LBA has eight teams in their national league while they have also introduced a league for the youths at high school level.
“We came with good strategies before the start of our calendar year as we searched for means and ways to improve the sport and so far so good. Things are working quite well,” said Molupe.
“We have also been encouraged by the crowds that grace our games on weekends as the sport continues to catch the attention of the youth in our country,” he said.
He said the association now has a committee made up of players and those in leadership whose main aim is to source funds to improve the game.
Rovers from Roma are favourites to clinch the 2012-13 national basketball league title.