The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) recently hosted a delegation from FIFA’s Regional Office in Johannesburg, comprising David Fani and Christine Gama, who visited Setsoto Stadium to assess renovation progress.
The stadium remains suspended by FIFA and CAF for failing to meet international standards since 2021, and this development has forced all official FIFA matches by Lesotho’s national teams and local clubs to be played on foreign soil.
During their visit, the FIFA officials also met with LeFA’s President Advocate Salemane Phafane (KC) to discuss broader football infrastructure projects.
These included upgrades to LeFA’s three Technical Centres and the Talent Development Scheme Programme in Leribe, where 33 young boys are balancing football training with academic studies.
Meanwhile, Vodacom Premier League (VPL) champions Lioli FC are set for a much-anticipated return to continental football in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League (CCL).
The draw has paired Tse Nala with South African giants Orlando Pirates in the preliminary round, a challenging fixture against one of Southern Africa’s most successful clubs.
The two-legged clash will be played between September 19–21 (first leg) and September 26–28 (second leg). The winner will progress to the second preliminary round to face either Sudanese powerhouse El Merreikh or a yet-to-be-confirmed club from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The group stage kicks off on November 21, with the knockout phase starting on March 13, 2026.
Despite the daunting draw, Lioli can take comfort in CAF’s confirmation that clubs eliminated in either of the first two preliminary rounds will receive M1.8 million in logistical support, vital financial assistance for teams with limited resources.
Lioli last featured in the CAF Champions League in 2017, when they were eliminated in the preliminary round by Zimbabwe’s CAPS United.
This year’s campaign however, comes with added challenges. Setsoto Stadium remains suspended by CAF for failing to meet international standards, meaning Lioli cannot host home matches there. LeFA has proposed the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa, as an alternative venue, pending CAF approval.
Setsoto’s long-overdue renovations are currently underway, with the government projecting completion by October 2026.
LeFA’s partnership with FIFA remains strong under President Gianni Infantino, who visited Lesotho in 2021. Advocate Phafane’s recent election to the FIFA Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee at the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay further cements Lesotho’s growing profile in international football governance.
For newly appointed Lioli coach Bongani Maseko, the task is clear: guide the Teyateyaneng-based side beyond the preliminary stage for the first time in history. “I think we have to build on what is already there, win more trophies, and do well at CAF, that is our aim. We have to defend the title,” Maseko said, expressing confidence in his squad’s prospects.
Lioli have bolstered their ranks with key signings from rivals Bantu FC, including Litšepe Marabe, Hlompho Kalake, and Tšoanelo Koetle, transfers expected to boost both squad depth and morale.
To sharpen their preparations, the team will compete in the Alliance Challenge at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on August 16, before travelling to Namibia for a four-nation champions mini-league tournament from August 23–24.
With the draw set and preparations underway, all eyes are on Lioli as they take on one of Africa’s finest. Whether they advance or not, their return to continental competition is a major milestone for Lesotho football.
Summary
- The stadium remains suspended by FIFA and CAF for failing to meet international standards since 2021, and this development has forced all official FIFA matches by Lesotho’s national teams and local clubs to be played on foreign soil.
- The winner will progress to the second preliminary round to face either Sudanese powerhouse El Merreikh or a yet-to-be-confirmed club from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- To sharpen their preparations, the team will compete in the Alliance Challenge at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena on August 16, before travelling to Namibia for a four-nation champions mini-league tournament from August 23–24.
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.
