Lioli Football Club’s striker Sihle Maso was the biggest winner at the 2024 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) End of Season Awards, held on Saturday night at Victory Hall.
The South African-born forward scooped two of the evening’s top honours, Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, capping a transformative campaign that saw him rise as both a key performer and a team leader.
Maso played a pivotal role in Lioli’s title-winning run this season, with his goal-scoring prowess, consistency, and growth on and off the field earning him widespread praise.
Speaking to Newsday Sports shortly after receiving his accolades, the visibly emotional striker expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the journey that led to his breakthrough.
“I am very happy because it was not easy,” Maso said.
“Most people who know me know how hard I have been working to make this dream come true. Everything falls into place when you are a player who also carries himself well, both on and off the pitch.”
Maso reserved special thanks for Lioli head coach Motheo Mohapi, who he credited with guiding his personal and professional transformation.
“This is all thanks to Coach Motheo. I would not be here if it were not for him and his belief in me. I used to be a very troubling player, but he was patient with me. He taught me a lot about the discipline that comes with being a professional footballer, and I am grateful for that.”
Maso’s journey from an unpredictable talent to a mature leader has made him a fan favourite and a role model to young players across Lesotho. Despite ongoing rumours linking him with a possible move, Maso reaffirmed his loyalty to Lioli, insisting that his focus remains on helping the team shine at continental level.
“I am in love with the team. Whether the coach has changed or not, I am still excited to be part of Lioli. I’m looking forward to us representing Lesotho at the CAF Champions League this year. That is where my focus is right now.”
For his efforts this season, Maso took home M15, 000 for Player of the Season and M12, 000 for Players’ Player of the Season, a total of M27,000 in cash prizes.
Meanwhile, Lioli’s dominance at the awards did not end with Maso. The Goalkeeper of the Season award went to Lioli’s William Huni, who stood out against Matlama’s Leluma Mofoka and LMPS’s Nthebe Majoro, earning M9,000.
Lioli’s defender Mphale Mphalaole won Defender of the Season gong, also pocketing M9,000. Lioli’s former coach Motheo Mohapi was named Coach of the Season for the second year running, after guiding the team to another league title. His win came with a M12,000 cash prize.
Matlama’s Charlie Hlalele, a midfielder who has impressed since his debut in the league, won Midfielder of the Season, with an equal cash prize.
Young Player of the Season was claimed by 18-year-old goalkeeper Mofoka, who also earned M9,000. Makara Ntaitsane, the national team captain and LCS striker, won the Golden Boot after scoring 20 goals this season, taking home M13,500.
The evening also marked a major announcement: Lioli will represent Lesotho in the CAF Champions League this year, ending a three-year absence of a local club from the continental stage due to stadium limitations.
The decision was confirmed by Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) President Advocate Salemane Phafane KC, and reinforced by Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Motlatsi Maqelepo, who both addressed attendees at the event.
“We have decided as Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) that we will facilitate the return to Champions League of a team from our premier league and yes, as things stand Lioli FC shall go to the CAF Champions League,” said LeFA Executive Committee Member Katiso Lebitsa, speaking on behalf of the president.
He clarified that this return to continental football will be reviewed yearly, depending on infrastructure and other logistical considerations.
Participation in the CAF Champions League offers a golden opportunity for Lioli’s players, especially stars like Maso, to showcase their talent on a bigger platform and represent Lesotho with pride. For Maso, who has already had a star-rated season domestically, the continental stage could be the next step in his football evolution.
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