Fresh from lifting the TJ Nthane Foundation tournament, Lioli Football Club last Sunday added yet another preseason trophy to their cabinet by winning the 2025 Alliance Challenge.
The Teyateyaneng giants edged LCS FC 1–0 in a tightly contested final that was played at Bambatha Tsita Sports Arena to claim the championship.
Only last month Lioli defeated Linare 2-0 to lift the TJ Nthane Foundation cup, as they stepped up their preparations for participation in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Champions League preliminary stage, where South Africa’s Orlando Pirates awaits them in the preliminary round.
Last weekend’s victory earned Lioli the trophy and the lion’s share of the M100,000 prize money offered by tournament sponsors, Alliance Insurance. This year marked the eighth edition of the competition, which features only teams sponsored by the insurer namely Lioli, Matlama, Linare and LCS.
Lioli’s path to the final was far from easy. They faced Linare in a thrilling semi final tie where they drew 2–2. Lioli eventually overcame the stubborn Linare 4-2 after a penalty shootout.
In the tense final against LCS, which edged Matlama FC via another penalty shootout, both teams created chances but failed to convert until Lioli finally broke the deadlock to seal the win and lift the trophy.
Their composure under pressure and squad depth ultimately paid off as they lifted the coveted trophy, sending a strong warning to rivals ahead of the new season.
Reflecting on the performance of his charges, Lioli’s head coach Bongani Maseko expressed pride in the squad, praising the balance between experienced and young players.
“We trust all our players to step up when needed,” Maseko said after the final whistle.
“In the first match, we used experienced players to build momentum, and they delivered. After reaching the semi-finals, we introduced younger players to test their readiness, and they did not disappoint.”
Maseko singled out Makuru as a promising talent and reiterated the club’s broader ambitions.
“We are focused on building a stronger squad that can dominate games and compete at the continental level. We aim to win every tournament we enter.”
Despite the narrow defeat, LCS’s head coach Leslie Notši remained positive.
“This tournament came at a good time. It helped us assess our strengths and areas that need improvement,” he said. “We also tested some of our new signings in the final, which gave us useful insights.”
Notši admitted the target was silverware but stressed the value of lessons learned.
“There were many positives. We will work hard to improve and ensure we give our supporters something to cheer about this season.”
The competition also shone a light on individual brilliance. Lioli’s goalkeeper William Huni and midfielder Tholang Makuru each received M2,500 for their outstanding contributions, Huni for his penalty heroics and Makuru for his energy and creativity in midfield. Linare’s striker Mofihli Mabokoane walked away with the top scorer’s award, also worth M2,500.
Looking ahead, Lioli is currently out in Nambia where it will play friendly matches as part of its preparations for CAF Champions League participation on the weekend of September 19-21 against Pirates.
Lioli along with Matlama, Linare and four A Division League teams will feature in the Ramela Foundation Cup, scheduled for August 30–31 before the league begins.
Summary
- Only last month Lioli defeated Linare 2-0 to lift the TJ Nthane Foundation cup, as they stepped up their preparations for participation in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Champions League preliminary stage, where South Africa’s Orlando Pirates awaits them in the preliminary round.
- In the tense final against LCS, which edged Matlama FC via another penalty shootout, both teams created chances but failed to convert until Lioli finally broke the deadlock to seal the win and lift the trophy.
- Looking ahead, Lioli is currently out in Nambia where it will play friendly matches as part of its preparations for CAF Champions League participation on the weekend of September 19-21 against Pirates.
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.
