Seabata Mahao
Mokhotlong-based Mzamane Football Club (FC) is set for a challenging debut in the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) with an opening day encounter against Bantu FC to kick-start the 2024/25 season this weekend.
Mzamane will travel to Mohale’s Hoek District Football Association Ground for their maiden VPL appearance against the 2022/23 champions.
In an exclusive interview with Newsday Sports, Mzamane’s head coach, Liteboho Ramantsoe, expressed confidence that his team is prepared to compete at the highest level.
“I am proud of my players for making it this far in what has been a tough journey,” Ramantsoe said.
“We are ready to give these premier league clubs serious competition, and we expect the same from them. We’ve earned our place among the elite, and we’re determined to perform like a premier club.”
This will mark Mzamane FC’s first-ever match against the former VPL champions, Bantu. While Ramantsoe expressed respect for their opponents, he emphasised Mzamane’s determination to make their own mark in the league.
“We hold Bantu FC in high regard and admire their success in the premier league. But we are here to establish our own legacy, and we’re ready to compete. One of our key objectives this season is to secure our place in the VPL and continue building a stronger team,” he added.
Mzamane has made significant changes to its squad in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We’ve released three of our goalkeepers from the A-Division team and signed five key players from top premier league clubs. We are confident these additions will strengthen our team and make us competitive this season,” Ramantsoe said.
However, the club faces challenges in attracting new talent due to financial constraints. Ramantsoe acknowledged that without the ability to offer salaries, it has been difficult to compete for players.
As for their home ground in Mokhotlong, Ramantsoe mentioned that the club is awaiting inspection by officials from the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) club licensing committee. The inspection of Mokhotlong Pitso Ground is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024.
“We have a good playing surface here in Mokhotlong, where we’ve hosted A-Division matches. Although the ground doesn’t have fitted turf or grass, it is well-marked and has proper facilities for teams and spectators,” he said.
“If approved, playing at our home ground would significantly boost our revenue through gate-takings, which is crucial since we don’t have official sponsors.”
Ramantsoe also highlighted the club’s long-standing partnerships with two Mokhotlong-based companies, Ntja-Mokoatle and Siea-O-Butse, which have provided support throughout their journey.
Earlier this month, the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) declared Mokhotlong Pitso Ground unsuitable for hosting top-flight matches. If the upcoming inspection is unsuccessful, Mzamane will be forced to play their home matches in Maputsoe, Leribe, over 200 kilometers away.
This would be a major setback for the club, as it would not only deprive them of home support, which is crucial for smaller teams, but also increase their operational costs.
Mzamane is the first club from Mokhotlong to reach the premier league in recent years, following Balefe FC’s near-promotion many years ago.