LOCAL Olympic athletes demand the use of Setsoto stadium facilities in order to prepare for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics qualifiers during this time when all sporting activities have been suspended under the COVID-19 induced national lockdown.

Top sprinter Mosito Lehata told Metro that like other athletes, he is forced to train on his own at home under the watchful eye of his personal coach Sam Khalane in preparation for the global event.

He however, fails to understand why local athletes are not allowed to use the stadium as the number of Olympic athletes in need of the facilities is only 15.

“I think the government can allow the 15 athletes to train interchangeably, maybe three athletes per two hours a day, to ensure that we gain the needed competition fitness.  

“On several occasions we approached relevant authorities requesting to use the stadium track but we were unsuccessful. Our plea was recently taken up by the Athletes Commission under the auspices of the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) and we were informed this week that the request has been forwarded to both   the sports ministry and Cabinet,” he said.  

He wrote a list of all the names of the athletes and attached it to the request.

“We asked that even though gymnasiums and training centers are closed, the stadium be opened for us to use now,” he said.

Chairperson of the Athletes Commission Moholo Lekomola said they are currently awaiting a response from the sports ministry.

“We are working hard to ensure that the athletes are ready because the Olympic Games start in the next four months,” he said.