Twenty-three soccer players and fans of Highlands Robbers FC from Ha-Nkokana and Khohlo-Nts’o in the Thaba-Tseka district were honoured with an official burial at Katse Village on Friday.

Speaking at the funeral, His Majesty King Letsie III said the affected families have displayed their true Christianity by accepting the Will of God though he believed it was not easy after losing their loved ones.

However, he urged them not to argue with God as He is the sole owner of life and death.

On the other hand, he appealed to the bereaved families to still allow their children to participate in sports as that is crucial for their wellbeing.

His Majesty stated that such tragedies do happen in life, citing an example of a famous soccer team in England, Manchester United which he said lost many of its players a tragedy of a plane crash in the 1960s but the club is still playing today.

His Majesty also referred to the Zambian national team whose players also died a plane crash in the 1990s, but are still playing football even today.

“I therefore appeal to the affected parents to allow their children to engage in sports as that will keep them away from engaging in criminal activities,” he remarked.

On the other hand, he thanked the chiefs, Members of Parliament (MPs) and business communities as well as public for working together to assist the casualties of the accident to ensure that those who sustained injuries and those who lost their lives are taken care of.

His Majesty urged them to work together as a nation and not only in times of tragedies.

Passing his condolences, the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili said the government supports the bereaved families during their dark days.

He said as Christians, they believe that there is still life after death and that God also needs young and old people alike.

He believed that the late players are still going to play football in heaven. He also expressed believe that God will always be with the bereaved families during this hard time.

The Principal Chief of Tsikoane, Peka and Kolbere, Chieftainess Ponts’o Seoehla- Mathealira said this is the third worst road tragedy to have occurred in her jurisdiction within a short time.

She said the first one involved school children who were in pilgrimage trip while the second occurred at Fobane Ha-Moruti last year.

Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Mr. ‘Mabathoana Lekhooa said they battling to cope with the tragedy.

However, he said despite the government assistance in arranging the funeral, the challenge facing the bereaved is to look after those who sustained injuries, orphans and widows.

Amongst the dignitaries who attended the funeral included the First Lady, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senior Government officials and the public.

The Accident occurred on December 26 last year when the truck carrying soccer players and fans lost control and left 26 dead while about 30 are still covering in their homes and hospitals.

Source: LENA 11/01/2008