The return of the big cup

Terraces:
…A new hope for Lesotho football
NTHAKO MAJORO
Football in Lesotho is set for an exciting revival with the return of the Top 4 Cup, thanks to Maluti Mountain Cement (MCC). After a long absence, the tournament is back, much to the delight of fans and players alike. But beyond the cheers from the terraces, the return of this competition signals a critical boost to the standard of football in the country.
The importance of the Top 4 Cup goes beyond just offering another trophy for clubs to compete for—it represents an opportunity for teams to sharpen their competitiveness throughout the season. For a football league to thrive, it needs more than just one coveted title to pursue. The existence of secondary competitions like the Top 4 and the Top 8 gives clubs more to fight for, regardless of their league position.
Even if a team’s chances of winning the main league title diminish, a strong finish in the top four can still provide excitement, hope, and glory. This is not an isolated occurrence in Lesotho; the importance of such competitions is echoed across the football world. Take, for instance, the English Premier League. There, the top four clubs qualify for the prestigious UEFA Champions League (UCL), while fifth place earns a spot in the UEFA Europa League (UEL).
Even teams that finish lower still have European ambitions, with competitions like the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) adding further incentive. While these European tournaments are massive global spectacles, the principle is the same: additional competitions keep teams motivated and push them to strive for excellence. However, while the UEFA tournaments feature the best teams from across Europe, our Top 4 and Top 8 tournaments focus solely on local top-flight clubs.
Though the scope may be smaller, the competitive spirit remains high. The return of the Top 4 Cup thus provides Lesotho’s teams with a platform to test their mettle, showcasing their skills in a high-stakes environment. It ensures that clubs are not just battling for league survival but are also vying for the honour of being crowned Top 4 champions. The Top 4 Cup is traditionally Lesotho’s second most important football competition after the league title itself. Following closely behind is the Top 8 Cup. The absence of these tournaments in recent years, particularly after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been keenly felt by players, clubs, and fans alike.
Bringing the Top 4 Cup back into the fold is a significant achievement for football administrators, but the job is only half done. Now, the focus should turn toward reviving the Top 8 Cup, which pairs perfectly with the Top 4 competition in terms of adding depth and excitement to the football calendar. Reinvigorating these tournaments is key to raising the standard of domestic football. It creates more competitive opportunities for local clubs and helps to bridge the gap between our league and the more established footballing nations on the continent.
In addition to domestic tournaments, Lesotho also needs to reclaim its place on the continental stage. Competing in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) club competitions—the Champions League and Confederation Cup—was once a source of pride for Lesotho football. But in recent years, our participation has dwindled, largely due to the suspension of Setsoto Stadium by FIFA.
Without a proper home venue, Lesotho’s clubs are unable to compete in these prestigious competitions, depriving them of vital experience and exposure. Likuena, have similarly been forced to play their home games away from home. The renovation of Setsoto Stadium is not just a necessity but an urgent priority if Lesotho hopes to restore its footballing stature both domestically and continentally.