End of the road for Ncheke

MASERU – Two years ago, Lehlohonolo Ncheke was elected unopposed as the new president of the Lesotho Volleyball Association (LVA).

Ncheke went into office heading an executive committee made up of Masoli Khoanyane (vice president administration), ‘Mathato Machela (vice-president finance), Tanki Nkaki (vice-president technical), Sebolelo Ntlhokoe (secretary-general) and Nteboheng Ramotšekhoane (vice secretary general).

The committee also included first and second members, Mooka Tšoeu and Kananelo Hanyane, as well as gender minority representative ‘Mapalo Mohasi, and their March 2021 arrival was supposed to bring change to Lesotho volleyball.

A lot was riding on Ncheke’s committee because many hoped they would bring some stability and growth to volleyball after replacing a previous committee that was criticised as being ‘lazy’.

Those hopes were misplaced, however, and the last two years have been just as chaotic as the previous committee.

Infighting and accusations, resignations have been the main theme and they culminated in Ncheke stepping down as president last month with two years still remaining on his term.

The LVA is back to square one and, according to Ncheke, he had to resign because the accusations made against him in the press were starting to affect his personal life.

“It was now affecting me negatively, I was suspended and I am afraid the accusations against me which aren’t true will affect me,” he said.

Ncheke is referring to last November when the LVA executive committee used its majority to suspend him for two months.

Ncheke was accused of being reluctant to take action against LDF VI Volleyball Club for misconduct and the LVA committee was divided into two camps– others did not like the decision taken against Ncheke; others formed a rebelling camp.

Ncheke said he had hoped to bring change to the LVA with his knowledge when he was elected.

While the last two years have not gone according to plan he refused to put blame on the committee.

“I wouldn’t say they turned on me, the committee had power, the constitution says two thirds can make the decision and they made the decision to suspend me,” he said.

When Ncheke’s committee came to power in 2021 they set a mandate outlining how they would grow volleyball in the country.

Within the first 100 days they launched a strategic plan which was meant to guide the executive during their term, but all of that has now come crumbling down.

Ncheke said he realised the accusations of malpractice within the LVA would taint his personal and professional image and he decided to leave the chaos behind.

Nkaki, the LVA’s vice-president technical, was the first member of the committee to resign last week and the position was filled by Makhala Lehloenya.

Despite the troubles, Ncheke said the committee actively looked for sponsorship for volleyball when they first took office.

Under his leadership, Lesotho hosted a successful leg of the Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour last October at Agric College. The tournament featured teams from the Southern Africa region and it ended with Botswana beating Mozambique in the final.

Ncheke said he is proud Lesotho will host the region’s indoor volleyball games later this year as well.

“It is not just the beach volleyball, I am happy that it’s not only the indoor games but the (regional) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will also be held here, I think that is success,” he said.

Ncheke said he never imagined his name would be splashed all over the media with the accusations that were levelled against him.

He said he has become scared to get back into administration although he did not totally shut the door.

As a spectator for the foreseeable future, Ncheke said he hopes the LVA can find stability and success.

“I wish them the best, I would be happy to see them continue the dreams we had,” he said.

“I am available to give advice, I have made connections with people while I was travelling and I am willing to help (the LVA),” Ncheke added.

Tlalane Phahla