Newly elected Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) president Lijane Nthunya has vowed to deliver in a new era of progress, accountability, and professionalism in the country’s football. Speaking during his first press conference on Wednesday, 29 October, at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, Nthunya outlined his plans to professionalise the game, support struggling clubs, and strengthen football development structures across all levels.
Nthunya said the National Executive Committee (NEC) will explore ways to provide financial subventions to Premier League and A-Division clubs while working toward giving the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) greater autonomy. “Our long-term goal is to move football in Lesotho from semi-professional to professional,” he explained. “Granting the Premier League more independence will allow LEFA to focus on development while assisting clubs that are struggling administratively.”
The new president, who defeated former LeFA president Advocate Salemane Phafane by 27 votes to 24 in last Saturday’s closely contested election, said his administration will prioritise improving existing programmes, such as the Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and the national academy in Leribe. On Friday, Nthunya visited the academy to familiarise himself with its operations and engage with the association’s other various departments.
He also revealed plans to revive domestic competitions such as the Top 8 and Top 4 tournaments, increase the number of competitions in the leagues, including in lower divisions — and create award and recognition systems for players at all levels.
“Competitions must give players something to play for,” he said. “That motivation helps raise the standard of football across all levels.”
On women’s football, Nthunya emphasised the need to change social attitudes and build a culture that encourages girls to take part in sport.
“We need to work together to change the mindset of Basotho and allow girls to play football,” he said. “That’s how we’ll grow women’s football.”
Infrastructure development was another major focus of Nthunya’s address. He stated that every district should have a facility comparable to the Sebatana Russell and Saxophone Thejane Technical Centres in Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe. He added that District Football Associations (DIFAs) should manage these facilities under LEFA’s supervision. “It is our responsibility to show the government that infrastructure is their responsibility,” Nthunya said firmly. “We must stop playing games in South Africa — and that will only happen when our stadiums are fixed.”
Nthunya confirmed that he will step down from his positions as DIFA Maseru president and Machokha chairman to dedicate his full attention to leading LEFA. Despite the heated election, he said he has already met with former president Phafane and other NEC members to promote unity.
“The elections are now behind us,” he said. “We’ve agreed to work together for the good of football.”
Nthunya also acknowledged that Lesotho needs to improve how it markets its football and expressed his desire to build partnerships with leading footballing nations such as England and Spain.
With a clear agenda built on unity, development, and professionalism, Nthunya’s presidency promises to set a new standard of leadership in Lesotho football or, as some may wonder, will it turn out to be just another empty promise?
