Moorosi Tsiane
A DIVISION North and South stream champions, Lifofane and Lijabatho respectively, were last weekend booted out of the Nedbank8 in the quarterfinals.
The two sides, which have both been promoted to Premier league football were deemed favourites in the tournament.
The Lijabatho vs Limkokwing University tie was decided on penalties after they drew nil-all. Lijabatho were eventually beaten 3-2 in the penalties.
Lifofane were as well knocked out via a 1-0 score line by Lithabaneng Golden who, like Limkomkwing, also finished fourth in their stream.
In other quarter finals, CCX beat Qacha’s Nek LMPS 2-0 while Manonyane were beaten 1-0 by Litšilo.
Youth studded CCX have booked a date with Lithabaneng Golden in the semifinal scheduled for 25 May 2019 at Bambatha while Litšilo playing Limkokwing University clash in the second game on the same day and venue.
A Division Management Committee (ADMACO) spokesperson Mothusi Letsie said the first round of the tournament, which will be bankrolled by Nedbank Lesotho for the next two years was a success.
“Everything went well and we are happy given that this was the first time under the new sponsors as this tournament has previously been sponsored by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA),” Letsie said.
“There were no protests or any other disturbances which can put the sponsor’s name into disrepute.”
Letsie said he was also happy about the teams’ performances and hailed the players for committing themselves well.
“The level of competition has improved. The results are proof that this was a tough competition. The champions from both the North and South streams were knocked out in the quarter finals. Maybe they are a little still excited about their promotion into the Premier League but I don’t think that is an excuse. We have to give the winning teams credit,” he said.
Letsie however, said they still faced challenges in attracting people to go to the grounds in large numbers.
“The only challenge now I think is the attendance because it was not as good as we had expected and I guess we have to do more in terms of marketing the games. This may be due to the different teams’ respective poor performances where their fans end up deserting them.”
The winners of the tournament will walk away M25 000 richer while the runners-up will pocket M20 000.
The third and fourth place finalists will get M15 000 and M13 000 respectively while the other four quarterfinalists will each get M10 000.
There will also be individual awards where the player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament and the top goal soccer will each get M2000.
