Maseru, March 12 __ The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA), on Tuesday launched the CAF Safe Stadiums Initiative Workshop at Avani Lesotho Hotel in Maseru, aimed at strengthening safety and security standards at football stadiums across the country.

Speaking during the opening session, National Stadium Security Officer (NSSO) and Head of Security at LEFA, Mr. Moeketsi Khamali, said the purpose of the CAF Safe Stadiums Initiative Workshop is to ensure that all activities taking place at football stadiums run smoothly and that security operations are fully effective.

Opening the programme, LEFA President Mr. Lijane Nthunya said the association continually addresses safety and security risks that could lead to disasters, including overcrowding, structural failures and violence.

He noted that participants have not experienced the type of disasters that have occurred in other parts of Africa, citing incidents in countries such as Egypt and South Africa, and stressed the importance of the initiative in preventing such incidents in Lesotho.

Mr. Nthunya expressed hope that participants would begin implementing appropriate safety measures immediately during the remaining football matches of the current season in both the Premier League and A Divisions.

He further said that after completing the course, he expects participants to approach security planning with a fresh perspective and to collaborate with experts such as Mr. Josua Andries Hoebeb and Ms. Xolile Nokuthula to explore available opportunities in stadium safety and security.

Mr. Nthunya also highlighted that the Government of Lesotho is working towards improving infrastructure and urged participants to prepare themselves to contribute actively during the planning and implementation of upcoming projects.

He encouraged participants to approach the workshop with open minds in order to maximize their learning by actively engaging, asking questions and fully participating in the discussions. He expressed hope that the programme would be productive.

Lesotho Premier League General Manager, Mrs. ‘Mabonolo Senekale, said it is both a privilege and a responsibility to thank CAF and LEFA for organizing the workshop.

She noted that football is a beautiful game that unites communities and attracts large numbers of supporters, but emphasized that it is the responsibility of event organizers and security officers to ensure that all spectators remain safe and that safety measures are properly implemented.

“As custodians of events that involve large crowds, health and safety are not optional considerations but the foundation of a successful experience. I am confident that this workshop will strengthen collaboration among participants and improve preparations for football events,” she said.

Mrs. Senekale encouraged participants to engage openly, share their experiences and contribute practical solutions that will enhance event management and safety preparations.

Meanwhile, CAF Safety and Security Officers Trainer Mr. Josua Andries Hoebeb said he has more than 22 years of experience in football administration and over nine years of experience as a national safety and security officer.

He said he has been serving as a CAF Safety and Security Officer since 2019 and was selected as a CAF trainer in 2021.

Mr. Hoebeb noted that he has officiated in 59 CAF matches and said he is in Lesotho to share his knowledge and experience with participants.

The CAF Safe Stadiums Initiative Workshop brought together football officials and security personnel to learn best practices in stadium safety, crowd management and emergency preparedness, with the aim of ensuring safer and more secure football events across Lesotho.