Matlama FC have sent an early warning to their premier league rivals after lifting the 2026 Alliance Challenge Cup, with the victory reinforcing the momentum they built under coach Thabile Secker towards the end of last season.
Tse Putsoa defeated Linare 1-0 in the final at Setsoto Stadium on August 1 to claim their second Alliance Challenge Cup title, producing another disciplined display that reflected the steady improvement the side has shown since Secker took charge midway through last season.
The triumph not only earned Matlama the tournament’s M100,000 winner-takes-all prize but also set the tone for a club intent on carrying its impressive finish to last season into the new campaign.
Lebohang Chocholo struck the decisive goal just a minute after the restart, finishing off a chance in the 46th minute to settle a closely contested final in which clear-cut opportunities were few.
Linare pushed for an equaliser, but Matlama’s organised defence held firm to preserve the slender advantage and secure another piece of silverware.
The victory also highlighted the progress made under Secker, whose arrival midway through last season transformed Matlama into one of the league’s form teams. Their latest success suggests that strong finish was no temporary resurgence but the foundation of a side aiming to challenge for major honours this season.
Matlama reached the final after edging Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) 1-0 in the semi-finals through a Litšepe Marabe goal, while Linare booked their place by defeating rivals Lioli by the same scoreline.
The champions’ dominance throughout the tournament was underlined by a clean sweep of the major individual awards.
Goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after another assured display in the final and collected M3,000.
Forwards Litšepe Marabe and Chocholo shared the Top Goal Scorer award, reflecting Matlama’s attacking threat throughout the competition.
Midfielder Tsele Rankhasa was voted Player of the Tournament after a string of influential performances that helped drive Matlama to the title. He also received M3,000.
Matlama’s haul of individual honours capped a commanding tournament in which they combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing, providing further evidence that the club is building into a formidable outfit ahead of the new season.
The Alliance Challenge Cup, now in its ninth edition, has grown into one of Lesotho’s premier pre-season football competitions, bringing together some of the country’s leading clubs in a winner-takes-all format.
Tournament organisers also retained the women’s competition following its successful introduction last year, reaffirming their commitment to expanding opportunities for women’s football in Lesotho.
Summary
- Tse Putsoa defeated Linare 1-0 in the final at Setsoto Stadium on August 1 to claim their second Alliance Challenge Cup title, producing another disciplined display that reflected the steady improvement the side has shown since Secker took charge midway through last season.
- The triumph not only earned Matlama the tournament’s M100,000 winner-takes-all prize but also set the tone for a club intent on carrying its impressive finish to last season into the new campaign.
- Lebohang Chocholo struck the decisive goal just a minute after the restart, finishing off a chance in the 46th minute to settle a closely contested final in which clear-cut opportunities were few.
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.
