Premier League outfit Liphakoe Football Club is working towards securing financial agreements with local businesspeople in Quthing to support the growth of the district’s lone top-flight club. The club has already established partnerships with three businesses: Metropolitan Lesotho, under the community policy known as the Liphakoe Funeral Scheme as well as Quthing-based businesses, Karabo Family Clinic and Kubung Hotel.
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Liphakoe finished last season in 10th place without consistent training, because of financial challenges, and now they are striving to elevate the team to a top-four position.
The club say their ultimate goal is to one day be crowned champions of the national top-flight for the first time in the club’s history.
The club’s management is in advanced discussions with other businesses in Quthing to further strengthen Liphakoe’s efforts to raise their game this coming season.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the first vice-president of Liphakoe, Matloko Mafantiri, expressed the team’s ambition to grow like the country’s top teams, which they believe is possible with sufficient financial backing.
He emphasized that engaging with local businesses through Heritage Ink will not only help the team achieve its goals but will also foster a strong community following, whether through attendance at games or financial support.
Mafantiri said Liphakoe is determined to maintain its status in the league and climb to the top.
“We want to stay in the league for as long as it exists. Our immediate goal is to secure a spot in the top four and eventually become league champions,” he said.
“With the support of our community, we believe we can achieve our dreams as a team and uplift the entire Quthing community.”
Mafantiri highlighted that businesses supporting the team would benefit from tax deductions through the Revenue Service Lesotho (RSL) for their contributions. Additionally, sponsors will have the opportunity to advertise their businesses during Liphakoe’s home games.
Liphakoe will most likely have to play their Premier League home games in the neighbouring Mohale’s Hoek’s ground because their ground in Quthing has not been approved to host games by the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA).
“We know that the approved grounds for league games this coming season are limited to four: DIFA Mohale’s-Hoek, DIFA Maputsoe, Bambatha (Tšita Sports Arena), and Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS). We will likely host our home games at DIFA Mohale’s-Hoek, and if permitted, we will request exclusive rights for Quthing businesspeople to sell at our games, thereby boosting the local economy,” Mafantiri said.
He said the team plans to train daily and provide players with monthly stipends to keep them motivated.
As part of their fundraising efforts, Liphakoe will host a fun walk on the 31st of this month. Tickets for the fun walk are priced at M200 each, but those who can afford to contribute M1 000 are encouraged to do so. Ticket buyers will receive club T-shirts, water, and food.
Liphakoe will host another event the following day, on September 1, in partnership with another local business, E-car. The E-car event will be a show where local DJs will be invited to perform at Konka night-club in Quthing. Entrance will be M50 and it will also be a fundraising event for the club.
This coming Saturday, the team will hold trial games to select the best players with the talent and passion to compete in the national Premier League next season.
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