Matlama FC teenage goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka has become the first player in Vodacom Premier League (VPL) history to win the Young Player of the Season award in back-to-back seasons.
The 19-year-old completed the historic feat after retaining the accolade at the 2025/26 Vodacom Premier League Awards held at Avani Maseru on Friday night. To crown a memorable season, Mofoka also scooped the Goalkeeper of the Season award following a stellar campaign in which he kept 13 clean sheets.
The double triumph underlined the remarkable rise of the young goalkeeper, who has cemented his place as Matlama’s first-choice shot-stopper and one of the country’s brightest football prospects.
Having also won the Young Player of the Season award in 2024/25, Mofoka has now set a new benchmark in Lesotho football by becoming the first player to retain the honour.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Mofoka said the recognition reflected the hard work of everyone who had contributed to his development.
“The coaches who have worked with me played a huge role in my development. I feel incredibly proud to have won both the Young Player of the Season and Goalkeeper of the Season awards this year,” he said.
The Likuena goalkeeper admitted he never expected to finish the season among the league’s biggest winners after a slow start.
“In the first round, I managed only three clean sheets and thought that was how the season would end. But in the second round, I came back stronger and kept ten clean sheets.”
Mofoka also paid tribute to his parents for their unwavering support.
“Without them, I would not be where I am today,” he said.
His childhood teammate, MpaniaPitiri, described Mofoka as a disciplined and hardworking footballer whose potential had always been evident.
“It was clear from an early age that he would achieve great things. We are proud to see him succeeding in his career,” Pitiri said.
At just 19, Mofoka has already broken into the senior national team, Likuena, and continues to establish himself as one of the country’s most promising young footballers.
While Mofoka made history, Lijabatho FC midfielder Jane Thabantšo walked away with the biggest individual honours of the evening after being named both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.
The midfield maestro pocketed M15 000 for Player of the Season and a further M12 000 for Players’ Player of the Season after inspiring Lijabatho to their maiden Premier League title.
His achievements came just months after making a surprise January switch from Matlama, where he had spent his entire senior career since 2010.
“Being the best is all about working hard, putting in extra effort, believing in yourself and maintaining discipline,” he said.
He also thanked his teammates and technical team for helping him settle quickly at his new club.
“It was not difficult moving from Matlama to Lijabatho because everyone welcomed me warmly. I also appreciate the many coaches in the country who have advised me throughout my career. Players should know that learning does not only come from their club coaches.”
Premier League champions Lijabatho dominated the awards after striker TumeloKhutlang claimed the Golden Boot with 18 league goals, earning M13 500.
Coach James Madidilane was named Coach of the Season after guiding the club to its first-ever league championship before leaving to join South African outfit Golden Arrows as an assistant coach.
Defender Rethabile Mokokoane added another accolade for the champions after being named Defender of the Season.
Lifofane’s South African midfielder Sello Japhta won the Midfielder of the Season award in his debut campaign, while the club collected the Most Improved Club award after finishing runners-up.
Match officials were also recognised, with KemuelMatete named Referee of the Season and LesupiPutla taking the Assistant Referee of the Season accolade.
The Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) Chairman’s Awards honoured outstanding contributors off the field.
Matlama supporter MancholuLeepo was named Supporter of the Season, Sports Gallery journalist Thabo Rakhomo won the Journalist of the Year award, Bantu general manager Poosela Pule received the Compliant Administrator of the Year accolade, while Lioli midfielder Jerry Kamela was recognised as the Longest Serving Player.
Summary
- To crown a memorable season, Mofoka also scooped the Goalkeeper of the Season award following a stellar campaign in which he kept 13 clean sheets.
- Having also won the Young Player of the Season award in 2024/25, Mofoka has now set a new benchmark in Lesotho football by becoming the first player to retain the honour.
- I feel incredibly proud to have won both the Young Player of the Season and Goalkeeper of the Season awards this year,” he said.
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.
