The Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) will convene its long-delayed Annual General Meeting (AGM) tonight under a new-look executive, following key member departures and the controversial manner of their replacements, which has drawn sharp criticism from some clubs.
The PLMC re-shuffle adds a layer of intrigue to a gathering that was always going to set the tone for Lesotho’s top-flight football heading into a new campaign.
The AGM, previously postponed, will now take place on 21 August 2026, at 18:00 at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena. A memo dated 13 August confirmed the new date to Premier League clubs, who were instructed to resubmit the names of their representatives by close of business on 18 August.
Each club may be represented by two office bearers: the president or vice-president, and the secretary, general manager or another authorised executive member, provided the latter carries a written proxy from the club president.
On August 5, the PLMC informed clubs that Litsie Nokoane had become Chairperson of the Premier League “with immediate effect,” replacing Hlompho Maitin after Lioli FC withdrew Maitin.
In protest, Bantu FC withdrew its PLMC representative Moruti Sekokotoana, who was serving as the deputy chairperson in the PLMC.
Whatever the outcome tonight, the reshuffled committee’s first major test comes at a sensitive time. The meeting arrives just a day before the 2026/27 Vodacom Premier League season kicks off, meaning boardroom politics will share the spotlight with genuine title-race intrigue on the pitch.
The 2026/27 season bursts into life on Saturday, with defending champions Lijabatho beginning their title defence against newly promoted Mzamane at Bambatha Sports Arena. The champions are expected to start as favourites, but Mzamane will see the fixture as a chance to announce themselves in the elite division.
Lijabatho have used the pre-season to prepare for a demanding campaign, including a high-intensity training trip to Botswana last week, with one eye on their CAF Champions League debut in September against Madagascar’s CFFA.
One of Saturday’s biggest attractions is the heavyweight meeting between Lioli and the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) at the SexophoneThejane Technical Centre in Maputsoe. Lioli endured a disappointing campaign last season, failing to retain the league title before losing the Alliance Challenge crown to Matlama, and now begin a new chapter under coach Blessing “Bro B” Moyo.
LDF, meanwhile, have strengthened their squad with recruits who recently completed army training, including former Lioli players LelumaPosholi and MphaleMphalaole, Lijabatho striker KhaketlaMatamane and former LCS goalkeeper Mosoeu Seahlolo.
Also at the SexophoneThejane Technical Centre, Linare face LMPS. Linare remain under coach JabulaniMendu, entering his second season after a campaign that fell short of expectations despite a major squad overhaul. LMPS, who finished 10th last season, will target improvement under new coach Masupha Letsie, having added midfielder Thabo Mats’oele from Linare and possibly welcoming back RaboamaKoloti.
Lifofane return with renewed ambition after finishing second and winning the Most Improved Team award, bolstering their squad with South African-based signings striker Thato Monaba and defender KgotsoMoleko. LU FC will hope home advantage aids a positive start under new coach Letlatsa Mampe.
At Bambatha, Manonyane face a well-organised Bantu side, who completed their recruitment early and added forward BakuenaRamakatsa, recently returned from Ventura County Fusion in the United States. For Manonyane, the fixture is an early chance to move away from the relegation battles of recent seasons.
Machokha host LCS at Bambatha on Sunday after an aggressive recruitment drive that brought in Rethabile Rasethuntsa, Kotelo Kgotlello, Molapo Johannes, MoqolisiMothae and MorapeliLesoetsa. LCS begin a new era under coach SidwellMothea following a difficult campaign.
In Mohale’s Hoek, Majantja host newly promoted Villa FC at the Russell Sebatana Technical Centre, looking to build on an impressive prior season, while Villa aim to prove they belong among Lesotho’s elite.
The weekend concludes at the LCS Ground, where Members host Matlama. Matlama arrive with confidence after winning the Alliance Challenge and will again be expected to challenge for major honours, while Members, under new coach KatisoMojakhomo, look to frustrate one of the league’s traditional heavyweights.
The first battle is on the pitch on Saturday. Tonight, though, it’s the PLMC’s new leadership that faces its opening fixture, in the boardroom.
Summary
- The PLMC re-shuffle adds a layer of intrigue to a gathering that was always going to set the tone for Lesotho’s top-flight football heading into a new campaign.
- The champions are expected to start as favourites, but Mzamane will see the fixture as a chance to announce themselves in the elite division.
- Lijabatho have used the pre-season to prepare for a demanding campaign, including a high-intensity training trip to Botswana last week, with one eye on their CAF Champions League debut in September against Madagascar’s CFFA.
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.
