By Leemisa Thuseho
INVESTMENT giant, STANLIB, has injected M250 000 into the Vodacom Premier League (VPL) after coming on board as the sponsor of the league’s Man of the Match awards.
The sponsorship was unveiled this week at an event held at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena and will see the Man of the Match in each game receive M1000 in prize money.
With 16 teams competing in the VPL, the league will have 240 matches during the 2026/27 season. This means M240 000 will be spent on player rewards, while the remaining M10 000 will go towards logistics to ensure the initiative runs successfully.
Speaking at the launch, STANLIB Managing Director, Mohlabinyane Mohapi, said the sponsorship formed part of the company’s celebrations of its 25th anniversary.
He said the sponsorship opportunity came at the right time as the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) committee was looking for ways to give back to communities.
“As part of our celebration for 25 years of existence, our CSI committee has been looking for areas where to give back. At that moment, we received the PLMC proposal for the Man of the Match programme,” Mohapi said.
“We believe this is a significant contribution to the growth of our football as this will motivate the players.”
The sponsorship covers the 2026/27 season only, although Mohapi said the company remained open to negotiations at the end of the campaign.
Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) president, Lijane Nthunya, welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a historic development for the league.
“Last season towards the end of the campaign we had a few games with Man of the Match, but with this new deal with STANLIB, it will be the first time we have the rewards throughout the whole season,” Nthunya said.
Nthunya also used the occasion to renew calls for the government to play its part by providing sporting facilities.
He said it was disappointing that local clubs, as well as the national team, continued to play international matches outside the country because the suspended Setsoto Stadium does not meet CAF standards to host international matches.
PLMC General Manager, ‘Mabonolo Senekale, said a panel comprising coaches and former players had been established to select the Man of the Match in every game.
She said the panel would account for 90 percent of the selection, while supporters would determine the remaining 10 percent through voting on PLMC’s social media platforms.
