By Peye
鈥s Likuena reap benefits
SEBONGILE MATHE and
TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI
MASERU 鈥 The cream of local football talent will be celebrated today as the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) unveils winners of the prestigious 2024/25 End of Season Awards.
Beyond the glitz of individual accolades, the nominations list serves as a powerful testament to the rising quality within the domestic league and offers tangible hope for the future of the national team, Likuena.
The ceremony, eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders alike, recognises exceptional performances across all facets of the game. The dominance of clubs like Lioli FC, Matlama FC, and LDF FC in the nominations underscores the competitive intensity that defined this season.
Crucially, the consistent presence of Basotho players at the heart of these nominations signals a league increasingly reliant on, and nurturing, home-grown talent, a vital ingredient for Likuena鈥檚 success.This season鈥檚 VPL has been widely regarded as one of the most competitive and technically proficient in recent memory. Increased tactical discipline, improved physical conditioning, and flashes of genuine individual brilliance became more commonplace.
The tightness of the title race and the emergence of several young stars point towards a league maturing and offering a more robust testing ground for players aspiring to wear the national colours.
鈥淭he standard has noticeably lifted,鈥 commented local football enthusiast, Thabo Mphaololi, of Naleli. 鈥淲e are seeing less reliance on physicality alone and more emphasis on ball retention, quick transitions, and tactical awareness. This environment is crucial for developing players who can step up to the international demands faced by Likuena.鈥
The individual categories are brimming with talent poised to impact Likuena:
Player of the Season: The coveted award sees midfield dynamo Sihle Maso (Lioli FC) nominated twice (also in Midfielder category), alongside prolific striker Makara Ntaitsane (LCS FC) and the creative force Charlie Hlalele (Matlama FC).
Maso鈥檚 all-action displays and Ntaitsane鈥檚 lethal finishing (Top Scorer with 19 goals) directly translate to qualities Likuena desperately needs. Hlalele鈥檚 vision and playmaking offer another dimension.
Goalkeeper of the Season: William Huni (Lioli FC), Leluma Mofoka (Matlama FC) and Nthebe Majoro (LMPS FC) represent a strong cohort of shot-stoppers. Consistency and reliability between the posts are paramount for any national team.
Defender of the Season: Mohlomi Makhetha (Lijabatho FC), Mphale Mphalaole (Lioli FC), and Mokhele Molise (LDF FC) highlight defensive solidity. Mphalaole鈥檚 dual nomination (also Player of Season) underscores his exceptional contribution. The trio鈥檚 composure and organisation are vital traits for Likuena鈥檚 often-stretched backline.
Midfielder of the Season: Sihle Maso (Lioli FC), Lefatle Phakoana (LDF FC) and Charlie Hlalele (Matlama FC) form a formidable midfield shortlist. This engine room talent 鈥 combining grit, energy and creativity 鈥 is the bedrock upon which successful national teams are built.
Young Player of the Season: The future shines bright with Limpho Ralesupi (Majantja FC), Leluma Mofoka (Matlama FC 鈥 also GK nominee) and Tholang Makuru (Lioli FC). Their emergence is perhaps the most exciting development, providing a pipeline of fresh talent for the national setup.
Coach of the Season: Motheo Mohapi (Lioli FC), Halemakale Mahlaha (Matlama FC) and Malefetsane Pheko (LDF FC) are recognised for their tactical acumen and ability to develop players 鈥 skills directly beneficial to the national pool.
The correlation between a strong VPL and an improved Likuena is undeniable. Players arriving at national team camp battle-hardened from a demanding domestic league are better prepared for the rigours of international football. The familiarity and understanding developed between players from rival clubs who become teammates for Likuena can also enhance cohesion.
Players like Maso, Ntaitsane, Hlalele and Mphalaole are not just award nominees, they are the probable core of the next Likuena generation.
Their performances against the best the VPL has to offer provide the national coach, Leslie Not拧i, with a clear picture of form and capability. The emergence of young talents like Ralesupi and Makuru also offers depth and exciting options for the future.
The nominations for Referee of the Season (Mabusetsa Ntoi, Moeketsi Ntoa and Leloko Motlaase) and Assistant Referee of the Year (Siza Dlangamandla, Thabelo Ntaote and T拧epo Majara) also highlight efforts to improve officiating standards, a crucial aspect for player development and match integrity.
Today鈥檚 awards ceremony is more than just handing out trophies, it is a celebration of the strides made within national premier football competition. The quality showcased by the nominees provides compelling evidence that the VPL is moving in the right direction.
For Likuena, this burgeoning domestic strength is not just beneficial, it is essential.
As the nominees await the final results, the real winner could well be Lesotho football itself.
A stronger, more competitive and talent-rich Vodacom Premier League is the most fertile ground for cultivating a Likuena squad capable of making waves beyond its borders.
The performances honoured tonight are the building blocks for tomorrow鈥檚 national team success. The future of Likuena looks brighter with every season the VPL raises its bar.