Former Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation, Dr. Mahali Phamotse, has unveiled a groundbreaking sponsorship package worth M5.4 million for Lesotho’s B Division League. The three-year partnership with the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) will provide M1.8 million annually to support the league.
This is the first time a third-tier league in Lesotho has secured a long-term, dedicated sponsorship. To honor her commitment, the league will now be called the Dr. Mahali Phamotse B Division League.
A long-time advocate for youth empowerment and a supporter of local sport, Dr. Phamotse described the sponsorship as a personal mission.
“What I want to see is football grow in Lesotho,” she said at the unveiling. “I want to see our players feature in leagues in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and beyond—not only in Africa but across the world.”
Her vision goes beyond football. The sponsorship also introduces community-based development initiatives across all ten districts of Lesotho, including:
• M10,000 allocated to each district
• Eight football kits per district
• Two free driver’s licenses for selected youth each year
• Career guidance sessions for players and young people
• Free safeguarding courses on lightning safety
These measures are designed to give players life skills, protect them on and off the field, and create opportunities for personal growth.
Dr. Phamotse urged fellow politicians and officials to take sports development more seriously, noting that the absence of proper infrastructure continues to hold the country back.
“With this support, I want to set an example to colleagues and officials in government. This cannot happen if we don’t have infrastructure. All sporting codes in the country need it, and that requires political will,” she stressed.
She also expressed regret over the state of football facilities.
“It is painful to play outside the country and call it a home game. I am embarrassed because I was once minister, I tried to do this and was not successful, and that still embarrasses me,” she admitted.
The establishment of the Dr. Mahali Phamotse B Division League marks a turning point for grassroots football. The financial backing will strengthen the league’s competitiveness, channel resources into communities, and give young players hope and structure.
Through her leadership and personal investment, Dr. Phamotse has demonstrated how sport can be more than a game, it can be a tool for national pride, youth empowerment, and lasting change.
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