‘Mantṧali Phakoana
Nedbank Lesotho is set to inject M80 000 towards the Lesotho Cycling Federation’s preparations for the Cycling World Championships 2023.
The global showpiece will be held between 3 and 13 August in Glasgow, Scotland.
Lesotho Cycling Federation president Rammotang Makatile told a press conference on Wednesday this week that the organisation has lined by three races to fine tune local athletes ahead of the international competition.
Makatile said M60 000 will be given to winners during these races while the remaining M20 000 will go to the federation.
The first competition, a mountain bike race known as the Nedbank MTB cup, will be held on 18 June in Masianokeng.
This will be followed by the Nedbank Road Challenge on 3 July and the last competition on 17 July.
Makatile thanked Nedbank for its support to cycling over the past 20 years, adding that the country is currently ranked number three in Africa as a result of this assistance.
“I must acknowledge that we have a very long-standing partnership with Nedbank. As we celebrate 20 years in partnership today, we are marking another milestone of strengthening our relations,” he said.
He further stated that their mandate is not just to ride bicycles for fun, but also to use cycling as a tool to respond to basic human rights and addressing critical issues such as environment and health.
Makatile added that the federation had embarked on a major programme to ensure that Lesotho cyclists participating at the world championships are well prepared in terms of fitness.
On his part, Nedbank Lesotho managing director, Nkau Matete said even though they do not have enough budget, they have always felt honoured to support sports in the country.
“We are not a bank with a big budget, but we are a bank with a big heart. Our involvement in the sports fraternity has proven that.
“I have realised that when you have a relationship, you should nurture it, do not at any point disappoint. Let us make bicycle riding a business. Let it not just be for fun. There is also a business side to this. Cycling can improve the country’s economy,” he noted.
Speaking at the same occasion, minister of gender, youth, sports, and social development, Pitso Lesaoana commended Nedbank for its continued support to sports in the country.
He said he has been watching from a distance the commitment and progress made by the Lesotho Cycling Federation.
“Cycling seems to be very promising in the country. We should commend private entities like Nedbank by recognising their efforts to grow the sport.
“I must acknowledge that Nedbank Lesotho has always shown its commitment by investing in sports. What is left is for the cycling federation to deliver so that sponsors are motivated and eager to give more,” he indicated. “Considering the high rate of unemployment in the country, it is high time we invest more in sporting activities such as cycling. Cycling can become a career for many young people,” Lesaoana added.
