sports

Sept. 18, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

3 min read

Infantino congratulates Phafane

Infantino congratulates Phafane

FIFA boss, Gianni Infantino

Story highlights

    Phafane key in local football development
    LeFA enjoys good support from FIFA

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PRESIDENT of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino has lauded the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) chief, King’s Counsel Salemane Phafane for the significant role he plays towards the development of the sport in the country.

Infantino who was re-elected head of FIFA on June 5, 2019 to serve his second term made the remarks in a letter this week to congratulate Phafane upon re-election as LeFA president for a fourth term last week Saturday.  

Phafane retained his position at the helm of the local soccer mother body, following a landslide victory over the Maseru District Football Association (DIFA) chief, Lijane Nthunya. 

He secured 42 votes out of the 49 delegates, while his challenger managed only seven votes. 

In his letter, the FIFA president said: “Please accept my warmest greetings and sincerest congratulations for your re-election as President of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) for a four year-term at the LeFA Ordinary Congress 2021, held on Saturday, September 11.” 
He added: “I am sending you and your team my best wishes for this new mandate and every success for all the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward dear President, to continue working with you for the growth and prosperity of football in Lesotho in the years to come.” 
LeFA has in recent years enjoyed good support from the football governing body with the FIFA President having led a high-ranking delegation that visited the Mountain Kingdom in 2019. 
The FIFA team included Secretary General, Fatma Saomoura, FIFA and CAF legend, Samuel Eto'o and FIFA Foundation Chief Executive Officer and the 1998 World Cup winner with France, Youri Djorkaeff. 
 

Infantino congratulates Phafane

LeFA President, KC Salemane Phafane

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Following the LeFA Congress, Phafane received numerous congratulatory messages from other soccer governing bodies in Africa including the South African Football Association (SAFA), the Botswana Football Association (BFA), Mozambique and Seychelles among others. 

Phafane, was recently elected to serve in the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. 

His journey in football began several decades ago at Bantu FC where he served among others, as the Mafeteng-based outfit’s Secretary General. 

He later joined LeFA as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC). 

He rose through the ranks to become the Secretary General, Vice President and finally the association’s President.  

He also served on a number of FIFA Sub-Committees including the Legal Committee, Member Association Committee and the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.  

At the Confederation of African Football (CAF), he served in the Women Football and Legal Committees. 

He also served as the Vice President and Chairperson of the Appeals Committee at COSAFA. LeNA/Metro 

 

 

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