December 01, 2009 will go down in history as a day Basotho had a rare opportunity of seeing the real FIFA World cup trophy which is made of 18 carat solid gold.

This historic event occurred at 'Manthabiseng Convention Centre, where hundreds of Basotho led by the Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation took turns to take photos of the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Delivering a keynote address at this event, Mrs. 'Mathabiso Lepono said FIFA World Cup tour by Coca-Cola was the biggest global tour in the history of sports sponsorship and that it was the only FIFA World Cup Trophy tour in which the real, solid gold trophy is showcased.

'With the success of the first ever trophy tour in 2006, we, the Basotho nation are grateful and privileged to be considered part of second trophy tour, and even more grateful for the FIFA and Coca-Cola partnership having given the Basotho nation the opportunity to personally view the real FIFA World Cup trophy,' she remarked.

She further pointed out that through this coveted icon, they engage and bring together Basotho football fans and players, adding that amongst them, they acknowledge the presence of Lesotho soccer club coaches and players.

The Minister stressed that Lesotho embraces sports in the country as it is the government's believe that a country that can be brought together in magic, sports and anything else is a country with limitless opportunity.

Mrs. Lepono pledged that in two years time, Lesotho's senior national side Likuena will be able to win the FIFA World cup.

On the other hand FIFA Representative, Mr. Shay Drohan expressed appreciation for the government to be represented at the event, despite being the World AIDS Day.

He said that the gesture is a demonstration that the government takes the event seriously and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality Basotho have given them.

Lesotho Brewing Company Managing Director Mr. Anthony Grandon, through Marotholi Beverages also expressed gratitude for the wonderful event and all the benefits that will be brought about by the World Cup in Africa.

Some of the Basotho interviewed after taking photos with the FIFA World Cup trophy expressed excitement and unbelievable shock that they really came so close to the prestigious trophy which they only saw on television.

One of them Mr. Khotso Patsa however mentioned that it came at the wrong time when World Cup qualifying games have already been completed.

Mr. Patsa said it would make sense for the trophy to come prior to the qualifying games so as to instill determination and enthusiasm to the players to qualify for the FIFA World cup.

The FIFA World cup landed in the country on Monday evening for the first time ever at Moshoeshoe I International Airport and was received by Mrs. Lepono as Minister of Sports.

Lesotho is the 53rd African nation to host the trophy on this 70th day epic journey across Africa. Before it came in the country, the trophy had been in Swaziland and will (on Tuesday) leave to Cape Town, South Africa, where a draw for the 32 nations which have qualified for the biggest sporting event will be made.

This year's trophy tour is the longest ever global tour, with FIFA and Coca-Cola taking the real solid-gold trophy to 86 countries during a 225-day journey which will allow thousands of fans to enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic FIFA World Cup trophy.

The authentic FIFA World cup trophy is awarded to the winning nation at each tournament. The iconic trophy measures 36.8 cenitmetres high, weighs in at 6,175 grams and is made of solid, 18-carat gold.

Source: LENA 01/12/2009