Seabata Mahao
Liloli Football Club (FC) are the champions of the inaugural Berea Charity Cup after beating Bantu FC 5-3 in a penalty shootout following their goalless stalemate in Teyateyaneng, Berea, on Independence Day.
The win saw Lioli taking home M100,000 in prize money courtesy of sponsors that included Maluti Mountain Cement (MMC) and Nthane Brothers, among others.
The other match of the pre-season tournament saw Maroala FC hammering Amigos FC 4 – 0.
As the runners-up, Bantu pocketed M45,000; Maroala walked away with M40,000 while Amigos took home M20,000.
Lioli’s duo of Mpho Hlephole and William Huni were named the man of the match and goalkeeper of the tournament, respectively.
Perhaps a sign of more to come, the win represents the first silverware Lioli wins under new coach Motheo Mohapi, who recently joined from LDF FC.
A vibrant and passionate fan base, the football-crazy people of Teyateyaneng spilled into the field of play when the winning penalty against kick went in, appreciative of the effort Mohapi’s charges had just put in.
Speaking to journalists in a post-match interview, Mohapi boldly declared his intentions to revive Lioli, which had been struggling for several seasons before his arrival.
The last time the Teyateyaneng fallen giants won silverware was in 2022 when they lifted the pre-season Alliance Challenge tournament, while they last won the premier league in the 2015/16 season.
“I am going to work hard with the team to restore our name in the echelons of our football. The boys played very well which shows the first signs of our commitment to our people that we are coming back stronger,†Mohapi said.
Berea Charity Cup is intended to uplift vulnerable community members through the gate-taking proceeds and undisclosed contributions from the tournament sponsor.
Among others, the tournament raised funds through gate-takings together with the undisclosed amount the sponsor will add, which will go towards a charitable cause.
