Football has always had a way of producing the most heartwarming and inspiring stories. This season, that honor belongs to Maroala Football Club, a team that has climbed from the depths of the B Division to the grand stage of Lesotho’s Vodacom Premier League (VPL).
Their rise has been nothing short of magical, a tale of resilience, ambition, and determination that has captured the hearts of their supporters.
The small club from Maqhaka, Berea, has achieved the ultimate dream: securing promotion to the Vodacom Premier League with three matches still to play. Maroala’s decisive 2-1 victory over Litšilo FC last weekend sealed their fate in spectacular fashion.
Their journey to the top, however, has been years in the making. Only three seasons ago, Maroala were battling it out in the B Division. Last season, they came heartbreakingly close to promotion but were edged out in the final stages by Mzamane FC. This time, they made sure not to let history repeat itself.
Moeketsi Thebe, the president of Maroala explained that since the club’s formation in 1947, they have never tasted premier league football.
“We are one of the oldest football clubs in the country, but we have never played in the Premier League. When I took over in the 2017/18 season, we were in the B-Division. After the 2021/22 season, we moved up to the A-Division, where we reached sixth place in the 2022/23 season, second place in 2023/24, and the first place in 2024/25,” Thebe said.
As the excitement of playing in the premier league grips Maroala camp, they have already kicked-started preparation for life in the big time with the hunt for sponsors and fixing their home ground.
“We have also started fixing our home ground so that we can ask Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) to inspect it before the next premier league begins.
With an impressive tally of 35 points from 15 matches, Maroala have dominated the A Division Northern Stream, leaving their closest challengers behind. Litšilo FC, their nearest rivals with 24 points, saw their own promotion hopes dashed with last weekend’s loss.
While Maroala celebrate their triumph, the battle in the Southern Stream remains intense. Members FC, Qoaling Highlanders FC, and Quthing LMPS are locked in a fierce contest for the top spot. Members FC currently lead the pack with 31 points, but Qoaling Highlanders are right behind with 30 points, while Quthing LMPS trail closely at 29. With only three matches remaining, the race for promotion is still wide open.
Last season’s Southern Stream champions, Majantja, and Northern Stream winners, Mzamane, will soon welcome Maroala into the elite ranks of the Premier League. The Premier League Management Committee is expected to officially confirm their promotion soon.
As the season nears its dramatic conclusion, football fans across the country will be watching closely. Maroala’s next fixture sees them take on Rangers FC from Thaba-Tseka, while Members FC face a high-stakes encounter against Qoaling Highlanders.
For now, Maroala can bask in the glory of their well-earned promotion. Their journey is a testament to the power of persistence and belief, proving that in football, as in life, dreams can indeed come true.
Weekend Results:
Saturday, 29 March 2025:
Northern Stream:
Kick4Life Juventude 6 – 3 Lilemela FC
BB Warriors 2 – 2 Rangers FC
Litšilo FC 1 – 2 Maroala FC
Southern Stream:
Qoaling Highlanders 2 – 0 Qacha LMPS
Members FC 3 – 0 Mahlaseli FC
Naughty Boys 1 – 3 05 United FC
Sunday, 30 March 2025:
Northern Stream:
CCX FC 0 – 2 Sehenene FC
Litšehlo FC 1 – 1 Lerotholi Polytechnic FC
Southern Stream:
Summit FC 0 – 2 Quthing LMPS
Liponono FC 1 – 0 Swallows FC
With the final games approaching, the stage is set for an unforgettable climax to the season. Whether Maroala’s story will inspire other underdogs remains to be seen, but for now, they stand as a shining example of what is possible with hard work and determination.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
