Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) will rename DIFA Mohale’s Hoek and DIFA Maputsoe stadiums after two late football heavy weights Sebatana Russell and Tšeliso ‘Saxophone’ Thejane respectively in recognition of their immense contribution in local football.
Russell is the former chairman of Majantja FC, Thejane, was a celebrated former Linare and national team player.
Speaking at a press conference at LeFA headquarters this week, LeFA’s President Advocate Salemane Phafane announced that stadiums in Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe will now bear the names of two revered figures in local football history.
“These names were not chosen lightly,” Phafane said.
“We undertook broad consultations with stakeholders and the public to ensure that our heroes are given the recognition they deserve.”
Other reforms that Phafane revealed include strengthening grassroots structures by increasing financial support for district football development. As part of its commitment to grassroots football, LeFA will provide each district with M200, 000 through its development fund.
The support falls under the ‘Eyes On the Ball’ initiative, which aims to professionalise and strengthen district football operations.
“We are aware of the challenges our district structures face especially financial limitations. This funding will help administrators run their programmes more effectively and ultimately grow the talent pipeline,” Phafane acknowledged.
He added that youth development remains a key focus, revealing that a new school-based football programme has already been launched in Leribe.
“We are not just looking at the present. We are investing in the next generation of national team players.”
LeFA also announced a change to its B Division League sponsorship. The league will now be known as the Dr Mahali Phamotse National Top 8, replacing the previous title, Dr Mahali Phamotse B Division League.
“This change clarifies that Dr. Phamotse’s generous sponsorship is focused specifically on the top eight B Division teams nationally,” said Phafane.
Likuena’s home games moved to Limpopo
In other developments, LeFA’s Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed that the national team, Likuena, will no longer play its home fixtures at Toyota Stadium in Free State, South Africa. FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inexplicably deemed the facility unfit for international matches, despite having hosted a number of Likuena games this year.
Likuena will now use the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo, South Africa, as its home ground. The team faces a challenging October schedule, with World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria on October 10 and Zimbabwe on October 13.
Likuena currently sits fifth in its group with nine points. This follows a FIFA ruling against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, resulting in a points deduction. South Africa now sits on 14 points, level with group leaders Benin.
Advocate Phafane ended the briefing on a hopeful note. “We are building a foundation that will carry Lesotho football forward starting with honouring our past heroes, supporting our present structures, and preparing our youth for the future.”
With these developments, attention now turns to both the grassroots level and the national stage to see how these reforms will impact football in the country.
Summary
- Speaking at a press conference at LeFA headquarters this week, LeFA’s President Advocate Salemane Phafane announced that stadiums in Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe will now bear the names of two revered figures in local football history.
- In other developments, LeFA’s Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed that the national team, Likuena, will no longer play its home fixtures at Toyota Stadium in Free State, South Africa.
- With these developments, attention now turns to both the grassroots level and the national stage to see how these reforms will impact football in the country.
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.
