Vodacom Premier League (VPL) runners-up Lifofane FC are putting the final touches to their preparations ahead of Sunday’s historic international friendly against South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve side at Setsoto Stadium.
The match, scheduled for 2 August, 2026, serves as a crucial pre-season test for Lifofane’s title credential ahead of the 2026/27 VPL campaign, which kicks off later this month.
It also marks one of the biggest international fixtures involving a Lesotho club and one of the continental powerhouses, in recent years.
Following days of speculation over which Kaizer Chiefs squad would travel to Maseru, the Soweto club confirmed through its official social media pages that it would field its DStv Diski Challenge (iDiski Challenge) team for the encounter.
The reserve side competes in South Africa’s elite development league and is expected to provide strong competition for the Botha-Bothe outfit. Lifofane president Letšolo Maliehe said the club remains excited regardless of which Chiefs side turns up.
“Regardless of which Kaizer Chiefs team we are going to play, they are going to bring us the competition we need, so we appreciate their acknowledgement and presence,” Maliehe told Newsday Sports.
“If we win this match then next year we might get the chance to play with the first team because they might feel the need to come back for the rematch.”
Maliehe believes Sunday’s fixture represents far more than a pre-season warm-up.
“This match is going to open a lot of doors for us to be among the elite clubs. We already have a pool of invitations from multiple clubs in South Africa, so this is only the beginning. We have also signed new quality players who have played in elite leagues as a way to show that we are developing our club.”
He added that LNIG Hollard, TJ Group of Companies and Hololo Development Fund have partnered with the club as the main sponsors of the event.
The Lifofane president described securing a fixture against one of Africa’s biggest football brands as a major milestone in building a long-term relationship with Amakhosi.
“It’s something we planned long ago. To build a relationship, you have to start somewhere, and for us, this is a big start. To get approval from the Kaizer Chiefs brand is huge for us, while it also gives Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to connect with their supporters in Lesotho.”
He acknowledged the significance of hosting the Glamour Boys, noting that Lesotho clubs have traditionally played lower-division opposition from South Africa.
“The reality is Lesotho teams have mostly played around the Free State province against lower-division teams. So you can imagine, it’s not child’s play getting Kaizer Chiefs. They are very protective of their brand and we respect that. We will use this opportunity to learn a lot from them. Maybe in future they would get us involved in their projects.”
Despite the friendly status of the encounter, Maliehe expects a competitive contest.
“Let us be frank. This is a pre-season match, but when you take to the field the competitiveness will always show. We are looking forward to this match, and we urge the fans to buy the tickets and fill up the stadium.”
The club has strengthened its squad ahead of the new season with the acquisition of former Kaizer Chiefs defender KgotsoMoleko and ex-Magesi FC attacking midfielder TumeloNjoti, adding further intrigue to Sunday’s contest.
Meanwhile, Lifofane FC has reminded supporters that the fixture has been officially registered with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), meaning strict safety and security regulations will apply.
In a statement issued on July 29, the club urged fans and vendors to comply with CAF requirements.
“Please note that our game is registered with CAF as it is an international friendly. CAF regulations must be adhered to for the safety and security of players,” the statement read.
The club announced that all beverages sold inside the stadium must be served in paper cups or open plastic cups. The sale and distribution of drinks in cans, sealed plastic bottles and glass containers will be prohibited.
“No sealed plastic bottles, glass containers, glass cups or canned beverages will be permitted into the spectator areas, including both the general public and VIP sections,” the statement added.
Businesses intending to sell refreshments during the match have also been advised to comply with the regulations.
Tickets for the blockbuster encounter are selling at M60 for general admission, while Royal Stand tickets cost M100.
Summary
- “If we win this match then next year we might get the chance to play with the first team because they might feel the need to come back for the rematch.
- The Lifofane president described securing a fixture against one of Africa’s biggest football brands as a major milestone in building a long-term relationship with Amakhosi.
- To get approval from the Kaizer Chiefs brand is huge for us, while it also gives Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to connect with their supporters in Lesotho.
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.
