Seabata Mahao
A new football competition bank-rolled by Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara’s foundation was announced in Maseru earlier this week.
Dubbed the Maseru Community Cup, the cup competition promises to be a landmark event, celebrating football while making a meaningful contribution to the community.
The one-day tournament is set to take place on August 11 at the Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, and will feature four of the premier league’s top teams in Lioli FC, Matlama FC, Bantu FC and Linare FC.
Among other things, the off- season tournament is meant to generate some much-needed funding for the clubs ahead of the new season.
The competition is bank-rolled to the tune of M200 000, and the participating clubs will fight for the ultimate prize of M100 000. The runners up will take home M50 000 in prize money, while the third and fourth finishing teams will each pocket M25 000.
The Nthomeng Majara Foundation (MMF) sponsored competition is organised in partnership with Molefi Global Agency (MGA) with other partners being Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), Vodacom Lesotho, Sakisi Hotspot, and Global Cure.
In addition to the cash prizes, teams will also be awarded trophies and medals based for their efforts. Individual awards, including goalkeeper, striker, player, and top goal scorer of the tournament, will be determined through public voting.
Tickets for the tournament are available via EcoCash and M-Pesa until August 7. Ticket sales will benefit the participating clubs, with 70 percent of the proceeds going directly to them, and 30 percent donated to the NMF to support orphans and those in need. The draw for the tournament will be determined by ticket sales, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Speaking at the competition launch, DPM Majara highlighted the dual purpose of the tournament; to support football clubs financially while also addressing the pressing need for food in the country.
“Basotho love football and football brings us together, aligning with the mandate of the NMF. This is just the beginning of more such initiatives to support our football community and those in need,” Majara stated.
Molefi Lengosane from MGA emphasised that the selection of teams was based on regional representation rather than their current league standings.
“The selected football clubs are not selected because they are in the top four of the league, but they are selected according to their regional base being southern region, central region and northern region. This tournament aims to boost revenue for the clubs and assist those in need,” said Lengosane.
Moeketsi Khojane, from Matlama FC who spoke on behalf of the football clubs, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the tournament will serve as a significant motivational boost for players and management alike.
“This tournament is anticipated to have a big impact as the clubs are preparing for the new season. It is going to motivate the players, the club management and the sponsors. It is also going to assist the clubs to assess their squads,” Khojane explained.
