Mamello Rakotsoane
Lesotho has named a 10-player national badminton team for the 2026 All Africa Senior Badminton Championships, scheduled for February 9 to 15 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Lesotho Badminton Association (LESBAD) announced a balanced squad that blends experienced players with emerging talent in a recent press statement.
“This team shows the best of our country’s skill and hard work,” LESBAD Secretary General Moorosi Tsiane said.
He indicated that the selection reflects the association’s broader goal of growing and advancing the sport in the country.
The team will be led by head coach Nyakallo Seboka. The squad is set to depart Lesotho tonight (February 6) and arrive in Botswana on Saturday. After a rest day on Sunday, competition will begin on Monday.
Lesotho will compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. The squad comprises six men and four women, underlining the country’s growing depth in the sport.
The selected players are:
Men: Mokhali Maleke, Neo Rahlolo, Katleho Mohapi, Limpho Matlosa, Neo Tsokelo, Rethabile Sehole.
Women: Lerato Matlosa, Thato Talejane, Kelumetse Moeletsi, Kahliso Khetheng.
Botswana will host the continent’s top badminton players at the Royal Aria in Tlokweng, Gaborone. The championships will feature both team events, the Thomas and Uber Cups Africa Qualifiers, and individual competitions.
All five individual events will be contested: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Points earned at the tournament can contribute to BWF World Rankings, provided all regulations are met.
The Botswana Badminton Association has confirmed that preparations for the event are complete, adding that the championships will further enhance the country’s profile as a destination for major sporting events in Africa.
A team managers’ meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, at 17:00 at the venue, where the draw for the team events will be conducted. Teams will be seeded according to BWF World Team Rankings, in line with BWF regulations, with the referee overseeing the process. The team competition will begin with group matches before moving into the knockout stages.
The individual events will be played on a straight knockout basis. Teams may also receive assistance with travel or accommodation costs after the close of entries.
- Lesotho has named a 10-player national badminton team for the 2026 All Africa Senior Badminton Championships, scheduled for February 9 to 15 in Gaborone, Botswana.
- He indicated that the selection reflects the association’s broader goal of growing and advancing the sport in the country.
- The Botswana Badminton Association has confirmed that preparations for the event are complete, adding that the championships will further enhance the country’s profile as a destination for major sporting events in Africa.
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