Massive upgrade for Setsoto Stadium
Cost projected at M85 million
SEBONGILE MATHE
MASERU- National sporting ground Setsoto stadium is poised for an upgrade that will accommodate 25, 000 spectators. Sports minister Motlatsi Maqelepo made the amazing and welcome announcement on Wednesday this week.
The only national stadium currently has a seat capacity of 14 000. The project to upgrade, the minister said, is anticipated for completion before October 2026 – an important date ahead of the country’s 60th independence anniversary.
Maqelepo stated that the artificial turf, manufactured by Edel Grass, a Netherlands company, will be produced from April 26 to June 6 and readied for installation. Following this, Edel Grass will complete touch-up work on August 25 to 28 with a site handover soonest.
Maqelepo said, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to upgrading sports facilities, with a clear aim to provide local athletes with world-class surfaces, as well as enable Lesotho to host international events.
The artificial turf is expected to increase the stadium’s durability and versatility for various sporting activities.
Maqelepo explained that Lesotho has been without a FIFA-approved stadium for five years, following a 2021 suspension. He attributed the delay in turf installation to a lack of funding allocated to playing fields, including Setsoto stadium, in last year’s national budget.
Maqelepo believes that restored, the stadium will not only benefit sports but also boost tourism and community pride.
He noted that Setsoto Stadium has faced significant challenges, including a FIFA ban on hosting international matches due its failure to meet international sporting standards. The ban, he said forced the national football team Likuena to play home games abroad, negatively affecting both team confidence and national pride.
He said the upcoming renovations, estimated at M85 million, aim to address these issues by upgrading essential facilities.
This initiative aspires not only to restore the stadium’s ability to boost local tourism and foster greater community engagement.
In 2021, CAF and FIFA banned the stadium from hosting international matches due to its failure to meet required standards. The decision forced LeFA to relocate national team matches to South Africa, incurring significant financial costs and further significant financial costs and further straining the country’s resources.
News that Setsoto stadium could soon be used is good news for many in the sport fraternity especially fans who were deprived the privilege of attending matches to support the national side Likuena at play for five years.
