The Minister of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, has distanced himself from the long delays that continue to frustrate the sports fraternity over the protracted rehabilitation of Setsoto Stadium.
The upgrade has dragged on for nearly five years, following the stadium’s 2021 ban from hosting official international matches due to its failure to meet CAF and FIFA standards.
Since then, Lesotho has been forced to play its “home” fixtures in neighbouring South Africa, an arrangement that has highlighted the crippling impact of not having accredited football facilities.
Speaking during a recent assessment visit to the site, Maqelepo addressed rising public frustration, saying misunderstandings about government procedures had fuelled confusion about the project.
He insisted that procurement processes began immediately after the government announced plans for a full stadium overhaul, but stressed that these processes are bound by strict legal timelines.
“Our Ministry announced the full upgrade of Setsoto Stadium. Immediately after that, the procurement processes began, starting with the submission of Expressions of Interest,” he explained.
“We then issued the Terms of Reference and commenced another legally guided process. Ultimately, we will select a contractor through a transparent procedure.”
Maqelepo also acknowledged the disappointment of sports supporters, who have endured five years without a true home ground.
“Sports supporters are indeed frustrated, but unfortunately, their frustration is directed at me unfairly, even though I am doing everything in my power to support the construction of the stadium,” he said.
He noted that government procedures, though often slow, are essential for accountability. Citing advice from a former leader, he said many people expected public projects to unfold as quickly as “kneaded dough ready in 10 minutes and fried in hot oil while you enjoy fat cakes.”
“In government, there are processes that ensure things are done properly, and a project like the Setsoto Stadium must go through all the necessary stages, including feasibility studies, traffic studies, and design work.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to deliver a “world-class international stadium that brings pride to the Kingdom of Lesotho,” noting that in the 59 years since independence, the country has yet to build a proper national stadium.
The Minister also revealed that the long-awaited turf for the stadium has finally arrived in Lesotho, assuring the nation that installation will begin shortly. He said the pitch is expected to be ready by late January 2026.
“The next phase is the installation of the turf. This is one of the projects that has presented significant challenges, but we have made good progress,” he stated.
He added that Setsoto Stadium will reopen for local sporting activities once the currently scheduled arts and cultural events are completed.
“Our target is the end of January 2026,” he said, though upgrades to bring the facility in line with CAF and FIFA requirements will continue beyond the turf installation.
Built in 1992 and last renovated between 2010 and 2011, the 20,000-seater stadium has suffered years of neglect. While successive governments have promised refurbishment, the facility has remained in disrepair, an embarrassing symbol of stalled development and unfulfilled commitments.
Summary
- The Minister of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, has distanced himself from the long delays that continue to frustrate the sports fraternity over the protracted rehabilitation of Setsoto Stadium.
- “Sports supporters are indeed frustrated, but unfortunately, their frustration is directed at me unfairly, even though I am doing everything in my power to support the construction of the stadium,” he said.
- He reaffirmed the commitment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to deliver a “world-class international stadium that brings pride to the Kingdom of Lesotho,” noting that in the 59 years since independence, the country has yet to build a proper national stadium.
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