Lioli FC Dominate 2025 Vodacom Premier League Awards

Victory Hall, Maseru – 27 June 2025

The glitz and glamour of the Vodacom Premier League Awards returned in full force on Friday night, Lesotho’s most anticipated football honours ceremony. The event celebrated the brightest stars, rising talents, and key figures who shaped the 2024/2025 Premier League season. Leading the night in dominant fashion were Lioli Football Club, the reigning champions who have now claimed back-to-back league titles.

Lioli FC Lead the Way with Multiple Wins. the champions’ presence was felt in nearly every major category, with Lioli being nominated in all but three categories: Top Goal Scorer, Assistant Referee of the season, and Referee of the season. At the heart of their success stood midfield maestro Sihle Maso, who walked away with two major individual accolades: Player of the Season with a cash prize of M15,000, and Players’ Player of the Season with a cash prize of M12,000, a total cash prize of M27,000 

Maso’s performances throughout the campaign were nothing short of extraordinary. He set a record by scoring in eight consecutive matches, netting 10 goals in that stretch and finishing the season with 12 goals overall.

Lioli’s dominance wasn’t limited to the midfield. Their backline and goalkeeper also received deserved recognition: Goalkeeper of the Season went to William Huni, who outshone Matlama FC’s Leluma Mofoka and LMPS FC’s Nthebe Majoro, earning him M9,000.
On the other hand, Defender of the Season was awarded to Mphale Mphalaole, who triumphed over Mokhele Molise (LDF FC) and Mohlomi Makhetha (Lijabatho FC) also securing a cash prize of M9,000 Mphale was also nominated for Players’ Player of the Season, ultimately edged out by Maso.

While Lioli dominated, Matlama FC also left their mark. Midfielder of the Season was awarded to Charlie Hlalele whose journey from the South African Premier Division (Orlando Pirates, Polokwane City, Amazulu) to Lesotho has been a remarkable story. Hlalele, who joined the league a few years ago to create a legacy at home, bagged M9,000 for his standout performances. Young Player of the Season went to 18 year old goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka, a prodigy who has already cemented his spot as Matlama’s and the national team Likuena’s first-choice keeper. Mofoka, who was also notably a nominee for Goalkeeper of the Season, continues to show immense promise for the future.

Makara Ntaitsane, captain of the national team and forward for LCS FC, clinched the Golden Boot after a phenomenal season where he scored a total of 20 goals. He received M13,500 for finishing as Top Goal Scorer, and was also among the nominees for Player of the Season, underlining his influence and consistency at the top level.

Coach of the Season was awarded to Motheo Mohapi, who guided Lioli to yet another league title. It marks Mohapi’s second consecutive Coach of the Season win, earning him M12,000, However, in a surprising twist, Mohapi has since signed a two-year deal with rivals Bantu FC, signaling a massive coup for the Mafeteng giants. With a CAF A license and a proven record, Mohapi is regarded as one of Lesotho’s finest tacticians.

The awards night also acknowledged the contributions of the match officials: Referee of the Season went to Moeketsi Ntoa, who was also nominated last season, a testament to his consistent officiating and professionalism.
Assistant Referee of the Season was awarded to Tšepo Majara, whose sharp eye and decisions on the sidelines have not gone unnoticed.

The 2025 Vodacom Premier League Awards not only celebrated the champions and standout players but also highlighted the depth of talent and professionalism in Lesotho’s football landscape. With emerging stars like Leluma Mofoka, seasoned campaigners like Sihle Maso and Makara Ntaitsane, and elite coaches like Motheo Mohapi, the league continues to reach new heights.