MASERU — Linare Football Club on Thursday unveiled a mega sponsorship deal with the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) to mark a new era in the club’s history.
LNIG managing director, Ralitapole Letsoela, said the deal was part of the company’s commitment to improve sports in Lesotho.
“As a business entity and a big player in the economy we believe that the true (worth of a company) doesn’t lie in what is reflected in the balance sheets but in the immeasurable smiles of the community,” Letsoela said.
“It has always be our philosophy that the mark of a company is to freely share with its market. Generosity is the fulcrum on which LNIG’s social responsibility programmes revolve.”
The three-year sponsorship deal will cover Linare’s first team, reserve side as well as the youth and women’s teams.
Speaking on behalf of the players, striker Pita Matekane said the deal will help boost morale within the team.
“As players we are very proud. This is a motivation, we promise the supporters of Linare that we will work hard to make them happy,” Matekane said.
The Lesotho Football Association’s (Lefa) vice-president Tlholo Letete called the deal historic.
Agriculture Minister Ralechate ‘Mokose, who was the guest of honour, hailed the sponsorship deal.
“Before we graduate to paying the players we should start by allowing them to make their own money. It will remove them from the streets and it will give them a sense of direction,” ‘Mokose said.
‘Mokose also encouraged the players to use the sponsorship as a spur to greater things.
“The world has become a village, if you have the talent and use it well, you can end up playing abroad,” ‘Mokose said.
Linare celebrated its 80th anniversary last week.
