Mikia Kalati
Alliance Insurance Company is set to host a preseason football tournament from 30-31 July at Setsoto Stadium.
The Alliance Winter Challenge involves the three premier leagues teams the insurance giant sponsors, namely Lioli, Matlama and LCS, and Sundawana who come in as a special guest.
Lioli won the premier league title last season, while Matlama were runners-up and LCS took third place on the 14-team table. Sundawana ended the campaign in fourth position.
Alliance Insurance Sales and Marketing Manager, Maki Mokhobocho, says the tournament is part of the company’s sponsorship to the three teams ahead of a new season.
“We are in the second year of this competition and we all saw the good results of the event as all the three teams we sponsor had an outstanding season, taking all the top three positions in the league,” Mokobocho said.
“So hosting it again is to make sure, once again, that they have the platform to prepare for the season ahead through a competitive tournament.”
Mokobocho also said the tournament forms part of Alliance’s programmes aimed at giving back to the community that has been behind the company throughout the years.
“We do a lot of activities as part of giving back to communities and this competition is one of those initiatives,” said Mokobocho.
“The teams we sponsor are pacesetters on and off the field as they are run very professionally.
“So this tournament is expected to help them maintain those standards and continue to grow their brands.”
Winners of the tournament are going to receive a trophy while individuals stand to benefit through Player of the Tournament, Top Goalscorer and Man of the Match awards, among other honours.
The four participating teams would also share the tournament’s gate-takings.
LCS secretary general and Premier League Management Committee member, Lehlohonolo Matlosa, has hailed the Alliance Winter Challenge as a massive boost to the participating teams.
“It is a competition like any other, but the big difference is the teams will be able to generate money to assist them during the upcoming season,” Matlosa said.
“Participating teams get a chance to compete against each other in a well-organized competition and will be assisted with things like food for the players.”
