By Liapeng Raliengoane
MASERU – His Majesty King Letsie III bemoaned the late Bambatha Tšita and expressed much appreciation for the love he experienced from him.
This took place at the gravestone unveiling ceremony of five Tšita family members namely: Bambatha Tšita, Hlophekile Tšita, Khosi Moorosi Tšita, Nteboheleng ‘Malereko Tšita and Bongani Tšita.
In his speech, His Majesty expressed gratitude to the Tšita family for remembering their loved ones through prayer. He disclosed that growing up, he received love, not only from his parents but also from people like ntate Bambatha.
“I received unconditional love from Ntate Bambatha and his family, I will forever remember and cherish it,” His Majesty added.
With a smile on his face, he reminisced one time Ntate Bambatha discovered him (His Majesty) sleeping in a car in Ntate Bambatha’s garage, how he was furious that His Majesty was sleeping in a car and asked him to come inside his house and get a proper rest.
Mofumahali Seitebatso Seeiso also made known that growing up, she used to play with Ntate Bambatha because their families were friends. She further pointed out that the late Bambatha Tšitsa was both intelligent and loving.
On behalf of the late Bambatha Tšita’s friends, former High Court Judge Justice Semapo Peete said he first knew Ntate Bambatha in 1972 and they became inseparable friends throughout their youth day until his departure.
In his words, he held “It still hasn’t made sense to me that my dearest friend is now late. He was a boxer and loved football with his whole heart.”
Moreover, a friend to the late Khosi Tšita, Mokherane Tsatsanyane indicated that he knew Khosi since childhood, saying they were best friends. “I remember one day Ntate Bambatha had bought a new car and we had planned to test drive it once he wasn’t home. So this other day he had a trip to Quthing and we saw our chance to execute our plan. Unfortunately, Ntate Bambatha had to come back for some reason and he found us trying to execute our plan. We were very ashamed,” he shared.
Tsatsanyane revealed that as a tribute to the life of his late friend Khosi, he formed a gospel band because they loved and listened to gospel music whenever they were together.
A family member, ‘Mathuso Kao Liphoto revealed that she remembers the late Khosi ever since his passing and she still has not come to terms with it. She said they grew up together, played football together, and even when the late Khosi relocated to Cape Town, they still communicated and remained close.
In a nutshell; on behalf of the Tšita family, Hon. Tšepang Tšita Mosena expressed gratitude to everyone who made it to the event and revealed that their support is appreciated. She much-admired the support of His Majesty King Letsie III. Hon. Mosena further urged everyone and the nation at large for oneness.
The late Bambatha Tšita was a famous football administrator, and the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena was named in his honour.
