Buasono United are the champions of the A Division League’s Nedbank 8 tournament after their unprecedented run to the final where they stunned Mzamane FC 2–0.
The Teyateyaneng-based outfit actually produced a commanding performance from the opening whistle, controlling possession, attacking with confidence and denying Mzamane any real opportunity to settle into the match.
Their victory earned them the prestigious Nedbank 8 trophy, gold medals and a winners’ cheque of M35,000. LijaneNthunya, the President of the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) was on hand to present the trophy and medals to the jubilant Buasono players and technical team after the final whistle.
Reflecting on their stunning victory, Buasono’s coach Mpopo Malata praised his players for their determination and commitment throughout the competition.
“We worked very hard to reach this stage. The players showed dedication and a strong desire to win, and that made the difference,” said Malata.
Buasono’s route to the title was far from easy. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Kick4Life Juventude 3–1 before edging Summit FC in a dramatic semifinal clash.
That encounter ended 3–3 after an intense 90 minutes in which both teams attacked relentlessly. Buasono eventually triumphed 4–3 in the penalty shootout to book their place in the final.
Mzamane’s campaign was equally dramatic. The Mokhotlong-based side defeated Qoaling Highlanders 2–1 in the quarterfinals before surviving a thrilling semifinal battle against Lilemela FC.
Lilemela appeared to be heading comfortably to victory after racing into a 3–0 lead, but Mzamane mounted a spirited comeback to level the score. The match eventually went to penalties, where Mzamane held their nerve to win 4–3 and advance to the final.
Lilemela had reached the semifinals after defeating All Aces 2–1, while Summit eliminated Litšehlo by the same scoreline.
The 2026 Nedbank 8 tournament carried a total sponsorship package of M350,000. Runners-up Mzamane received M30,000 and silver medals, while third-placed Lilemela earned M25,000 and bronze medals.
Quarterfinalists Kick4Life Juventude, All Aces, Litšehlo and Qoaling Highlanders each received M20,000 consolation prizes. The tournament also featured individual awards for Player of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Mzamane coach MosholuMokhothu, popularly known as “Shoes,” became emotional after the defeat and broke down in tears during post-match interviews.
Mokhothu admitted that his team struggled to match Buasono’s pace and intensity throughout the match.
“We spent most of the game defending and chasing the ball because they controlled the game very well,” he said.
The experienced coach also revealed serious disciplinary problems within his squad, claiming some players had been drinking alcohol and partying the night before the final.
“The level of indiscipline is very high,” Mokhothu said before becoming emotional.
Throughout the match, Mzamane appeared disorganized, with players often ignoring instructions from the technical bench despite repeated calls from the coach on the sidelines. Tensions also surfaced after halftime when Mokhothu reprimanded one of his substitutes for provoking opposition players from the bench.
Similar scenes had been witnessed during Mzamane’s semifinal victory over Lilemela.
Despite the disappointment, Mokhothu remains one of Lesotho’s most accomplished coaches. He guided Lesotho Correctional Service FC to league titles in the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 seasons before winning back-to-back championships with Lioli FC in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. He also won the league as an assistant coach with LCS FC during the 2007/2008 season.
Mzamane recently secured promotion to the Premier League for the 2026/2027 season following an impressive A-Division campaign.
Although their Nedbank 8 dream ended in heartbreak, the Mokhotlong outfit still has another important assignment ahead. Next week, the club will compete in the A-Division Champions Tournament, where top teams from the Northern and Southern regions will battle for the national championship title.
Summary
- Buasono United are the champions of the A Division League’s Nedbank 8 tournament after their unprecedented run to the final where they stunned Mzamane FC 2–0.
- LijaneNthunya, the President of the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) was on hand to present the trophy and medals to the jubilant Buasono players and technical team after the final whistle.
- The Teyateyaneng-based side walked away with the trophy, gold medals and a M35,000 winners’ prize following an impressive unbeaten run in the tournament.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
