'Matšepo Sephooa should be honoured in some way or other, perhaps by having a race to be named after her, local businessman and sports enthusiast General Sentle has suggested. 

Speaking at ‘Matšepo’ funeral at Koalabata on the outskirts of Maseru on February 4, Sentle said this would be some form of acknowledging the long distance runner’s contribution, dedication and commitment to Lesotho. Sephooa hoisted the national flag high among other nations in a way that few had.

Despite her fame, ‘Matšepo never turned her back against her country as so many other Basotho had done, adopting other countries' citizenship and forgetting about their country of origin.

The Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association (LAAA), government and local business community should join hands to honour Sephooa so as to encourage up and coming athletes to follow her example.

Sephooa has some 30 medals, many of which she won running outside the country. She is survived by her husband and a son.

06 February 2006