Seabata Mahao
The long-abandoned Setsoto Stadium is finally set to undergo refurbishment, with the long-awaited installation of an artificial turf beginning next month.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Sports, Motlatsi Maqelepo, during a recent media briefing in Maseru earlier this week.
Maqelepo announced that the installation would commence immediately after the country’s Independence celebrations on October 4, 2024.
The project, according to the minister, will involve both international and local contractors, with the latter tasked with addressing infrastructure issues like toilets, seating, and other necessary repairs.
“We have also hired a consulting company to help us appoint contractors who will handle essential fixes such as electricity and toilets. So far, this is what we have achieved,” Maqelepo said.
“While it’s hard to provide an exact timeline, I hope that if the turf installation starts in October, the entire project could be completed by January or February next year, despite some challenges,” he added.
The minister acknowledged that Setsoto Stadium was outdated compared to stadiums in other countries, emphasising the immediate goal of making it functional again to host games.
However, he also hinted at the possibility of a full renovation or even demolishing and rebuilding the stadium in the long term.
“This stadium is old. In other countries, you wouldn’t even find such outdated facilities. We understand the issue with our national teams being forced to play outside Lesotho, and we’re committed to resolving it,” he explained.
The renovation comes after the stadium was decommissioned for international games for four years, forcing Lesotho’s national football team, Likuena, to play home matches in South Africa due to the poor condition of the stadium and its outdated facilities.
The government is now working to restore Setsoto Stadium to meet international standards. According to the Minister, the total cost of the renovations is estimated at M74 million.
Maqelepo mentioned that financial difficulties, including complications between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Public Works, caused delays, with only partial payments made to contractors.
“Setsoto Stadium has been stagnant for a long time due to financial issues, but after extensive discussions, the contractor who was appointed last year to install the turf was here recently, and we reviewed the contract terms,” Maqelepo added.
He also revealed plans to build additional stadiums across the country, stating that the ministry was in talks with investment companies and exploring government funding options.
Smaller stadiums with a 5,000 seating capacity are planned for towns across Lesotho, while a larger, modern stadium is estimated to cost over M1 billion.
Meanwhile, Setsoto Stadium is expected to host Lesotho’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations. The turf installation will begin immediately after the event, with the project anticipated to be completed between January and February, depending on the challenges faced.
In a related development, the Secretary General of the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA), Mokhosi Mohapi, recently expressed concern over the delays at Setsoto Stadium.
Mohapi indicated that the situation led LeFA to forfeit development benefits under FIFA Project Funding. Mohapi accused the Ministry of Sports of holding LeFA’s funding hostage.
“As a result, crucial projects like the Under-20 Girls National Team, Under-15 Boys and Girls National Academy, and the construction of two technical centers in Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe will not proceed,” Mohapi said.
He added that the worst consequence was that the FIFA Forward 1.0 Project Funding could be withdrawn by FIFA by December 31, 2024, due to the ministry’s failure to commit to refurbishment timelines.
