Alliance Challenge makes history
8th Edition introduces women’s competition as tourney grows
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU – The Alliance Challenge, a premier football tournament in Lesotho, is set to make history in its 8th Edition by introducing a women’s competition for the first time.
This milestone reflects the growing prominence of women’s football in the country and marks a significant expansion for the annual event, traditionally dominated by men’s teams.
Since its inception, the Alliance Challenge has been a key fixture in Lesotho’s football calendar, serving as a pre-season platform for teams sponsored by Alliance Insurance. The tournament initially featured only four men’s teams – Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS), Lioli, Matlama, and Linare – competing for supremacy and financial rewards to bolster their preparations for the season ahead.
What began as a modest competition with limited resources has grown into a major sporting event, thanks to Alliance Insurance’s unwavering support. Over the years, the tournament has not only provided high-level competitive matches but also helped teams financially through prize money and gate-takings distribution.
This year’s edition, scheduled for August 16 to 17, will feature both women’s and men’s competitions, with a total prize pool of M100 000 for the men’s winner-takes-all final.
Women’s Fixtures (August 16, LCS Grounds)
9:00 AM: Berea Ladies vs Matlama Ladies
11:00 AM: LCS Ladies vs Linare Ladies
Men’s Fixtures (August 17, Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena)
LCS FC vs Matlama FC
Linare FC vs Lioli FC
Defending champions Matlama FC will aim to retain their title, while the newly introduced women’s teams battle for their own place in tournament history.
Limakatso Mokobocho, PR Manager at Alliance Insurance, emphasized the tournament’s dual purpose: Preparing teams for the upcoming season through competitive matches as well as providing crucial financial support, ensuring clubs remain stable and competitive.
In addition to the M100 000 grand prize, individual awards of M2 500 will be given to the Player of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.
The inclusion of women’s football has been widely applauded. Moeketsi Khojane, President of Matlama FC, expressed gratitude for Alliance Insurance’s continued investment in football, while Lekhooa Thabaneng, President of DiFA-Berea, highlighted the tournament’s positive impact despite its relatively modest budget.
With its expanded format, the Alliance Challenge 2025 is set to be the most exciting yet. The addition of women’s teams not only promotes gender equality in sports but also provides a new platform for female athletes to showcase their talent.
As the tournament continues to evolve, it remains a cornerstone of Lesotho’s football development – bridging competition, entertainment, and financial sustainability for local clubs.
The inclusion of a women’s division this year underscores Alliance Insurance’s commitment to growing the sport at all levels. This year’s challenge promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing both established talent and rising stars of women’s football.
