Seabata Mahao
The Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, has addressed the ongoing issues surrounding the incomplete upgrading of Setsoto Stadium, which has forced the hosting of international football matches outside the country.
He made these remarks during the recent Vodacom Premier League (VPL) end-of-year awards in Maseru. Matekane emphasised that the government is actively working to resolve the protracted situation.
“I have given a directive to relevant ministers, including the Minister of Sports and the Minister of Finance, to work on this situation urgently. I have told them to give me feedback on the progress of the renovation of Setsoto Stadium,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called for cooperation from Advocate Salemane Phafane (KC), the president of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA): “Advocate Salemane Phafane, let us work together. Where things do not go accordingly, let us communicate,” he urged.
Matekane assured the Basotho people that his government is committed to completing the project soon, allowing them to support their national team from home. However, he did not provide specific details on how the government plans to improve its support for LeFA through better budget allocations in the future.
The PM’s remarks come on the back of recent statements by Advocate Phafane, who expressed his frustration with the government’s failure to upgrade Setsoto Stadium on time.
He was particularly upset that the Ministry of Sports had not supported LeFA with the expenses incurred by the national team playing home matches in South Africa, leaving the national football body to bear the high costs of traveling and using foreign facilities.
In a separate recent incident, LeFA declined receiving a donation of t-shirts and sweaters from the Ministry of Sports. LeFA’s Secretary General, Mokhosi Mohapi claimed that the 35 items delivered fell short of the 50 promised, and also came without the association’s logo as agreed.
