A winner takes all M100 000 prize awaits the winner of the 2026 Alliance Winter Challenge as the annual off-season football tournament returns for its ninth edition, with organisers promising a bigger and better spectacle for football fans.
The tournament was officially launched at Alliance Insurance Gardens in Maseru on Tuesday, where sponsors, football administrators and representatives from participating clubs gathered to unveil plans for this year’s competition.
This year’s edition marks another milestone for the tournament as it continues to include women’s football, following the successful introduction of the women’s category last year.
Alliance Insurance Communications and Marketing Manager, LimakatsoMokobocho, said the competition was designed to address some of the challenges footballers face during the off-season.
“The challenge aims to address three issues football players face. Firstly, it creates an opportunity for teams and players to generate income during the off-season. Secondly, it allows clubs to network and strengthen relationships with one another, and thirdly, it helps players maintain their fitness levels ahead of the new season,” Mokobocho said.
She said the growth of the competition reflects Alliance Insurance’s continued commitment to football development in Lesotho.
“This year’s challenge is going to be even better, particularly with the growth of the women’s tournament. Participating teams will receive jerseys, trophies, medals and all the necessary logistical support. They will also share gate takings generated during the competition,” she said.
Mokobocho announced that tickets for the men’s matches will cost M40, while supporters attending the women’s matches will pay M20. Details regarding VIP tickets are expected to be announced later.
The women’s competition will take place on 25 July, while the men’s tournament is scheduled for 1 August.
Women’s football representative BaholoMotena welcomed the continued inclusion of women’s teams in the competition.
“Last year we finally got an opportunity to be part of the Alliance Winter Challenge, and we are truly grateful for that opportunity. We will work hard and continue improving the women’s game,” Motena said.
She also called on supporters to attend the matches and rally behind women’s football.
“We are calling on supporters to come and support the ladies.”
Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) Acting Director praised Alliance Insurance for its long-standing investment in local football.
“It is a great initiative and we appreciate the support Alliance continues to provide to football clubs. The growth we continue to see is evidence of that commitment. Other companies should take note of what Alliance has done for football and follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lioli FC president LebohangThotanyaneexpressed gratitude to Alliance Insurance for its unwavering support over the years.
“The support we receive from Alliance continues to bear fruit. Last season six trophies were awarded in the Premier League, and five of them found their way back to Alliance-sponsored clubs. That shows the value of the investment being made in these teams,” they said.
Thotanyane added that the sponsorship has played a significant role in helping clubs remain competitive both on and off the field.
The women’s semi-finals will see Linare FC face Lioli FC at 10:00 before Matlama FC take on LCS FC at 12:00, with the final scheduled for 15:00.
The men’s competition will follow the same fixture format on 1 August, with Linare FC facing Lioli FC in the opening semi-final before Matlama FC meet LCS FC. The final will also kick off at 15:00.
With a M100 000 winner-takes-all prize, growing support for women’s football and continued backing from Alliance Insurance, this year’s Winter Challenge promises to deliver an exciting showcase of local football talent ahead of the new season.
Summary
- A winner takes all M100 000 prize awaits the winner of the 2026 Alliance Winter Challenge as the annual off-season football tournament returns for its ninth edition, with organisers promising a bigger and better spectacle for football fans.
- This year’s edition marks another milestone for the tournament as it continues to include women’s football, following the successful introduction of the women’s category last year.
- With a M100 000 winner-takes-all prize, growing support for women’s football and continued backing from Alliance Insurance, this year’s Winter Challenge promises to deliver an exciting showcase of local football talent ahead of the new season.
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