Just weeks after being fined by the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) for supporter misconduct, Matlama FC have once again found themselves in trouble — this time with the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA).
LeFA has officially suspended Matlama from using Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena in Maseru, following reports of disorderly behaviour by the club’s fans after their 3–0 defeat to LCS FC last Sunday. The loss ended Matlama’s five-match unbeaten run and left tempers flaring amongst the team’s supporters.
The match remained goalless until the final ten minutes, when former Matlama player Lisema Lebokollane scored twice in just 4 minutes (81st and 84th minutes) before an own goal by Lekhetho Mohai towards the end of the match that sealed Matlama’s fate.
According to the LeFA report, angry fans allegedly linked to Matlama were involved in damaging street lights near Bambatha Arena after the match. LeFA also cited the team’s repeated failure to maintain cleanliness at the venue following fixtures — an issue the governing body says it has warned the club about on several occasions.
However, Matlama’s Public Relations Manager Ramafahla Thamae has strongly dismissed the allegations, insisting the club did not damage any property and that it’s staff always clean the stadium after matches. “When we play on Saturday, we clean on Sunday. When we play on Sunday, we clean on Monday — once everyone has left the grounds,” Thamae explained.
As a result of the suspension, Tse Putsoa are currently banned from hosting or playing matches at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena until the matter is resolved to LeFA’s satisfaction.
This punishment adds to Matlama’s growing disciplinary record this season, following their recent M20,000 fine from the PLMC after fans threw objects onto the field during the Maluti Mountain Cement Charity Cup Final just two weeks back.
While Matlama remains one of Lesotho’s most successful and passionately supported clubs, these recurring cases of fan indiscipline are beginning to overshadow the team’s footballing achievements. The same loyal supporters who proudly rally behind the Blues must now confront a hard truth — that their actions, on and off the field, carry real consequences for the club they love.
Until that changes, Matlama’s greatest opponent might not be found on the pitch, but in the stands. With back-to-back sanctions now hanging over the club, questions are mounting about how Matlama’s management and supporters will respond to safeguard their reputation and ensure future compliance with league and association regulations.
