By Mpho Shelile
MASERU – As a way of enhancing the love of football and its great influence in the community around it, Maloti Mountain Cement started an initiative that recognizes and supports the less fortunate by hosting a charity cup annually. With the money collected they plan to help build an orphanage.
The Managing Director of MMC Lehlohonolo Kenny Lephema, declared the company was incorporated five years ago by Mr. Lebona Lephema with the aim of giving back to the community by raising funds for charity organizations and help offer the financial support they need. The tournament is set to take place in Berea on the 4th of October, which will also be Lesotho’s 57th Independence Day celebration.
“We have already began building an orphanage center at Lithabaneng and have built two more which are located in Mafeteng and Semonkong and this would be the third one. We decided to contribute and elevate the community where we grew up and promise to make this an annual game, where we will give back to Basotho”, He declared. The entrance fee will be thirty maloti per person.
The winner between Bantu and Lioli will get fifty thousand and a cup while the runner up will get twenty thousand Maloti, our other teams Maroala FC and Amigos FC the winner will get twenty thousand while the runner up will get ten thousand maloti, “we also want to change the bad habit of drinking on the 4th October and just let sports unite us as we watch football together. So today I officially launch the Berea charity cup 2023 and may the best teams win”, he said.
The president of Lioli FC Lebohang Thotanyane, commended MMC for accepting their plea to join hands for a positive contribution through football. “We all know that football is the universal language for we are divided as Basotho and we only ever come together when a match between Bantu and Lioli or Matlama takes place.”
Mr. Atang Molise from Amigos FC stated that they are looking forward to the match and are privileged to be included in such a tournament.
The Vise president of Bantu FC Mrs. Mamoji Letsoapo, said she no doubts believes Bantu is keeping everyone awake, she commended MMC for the initiative they have taken in giving back to Basotho. According to her, Bantu is known for their immense support and love for football and promised that their presence will be highly felt at Berea. “We are to do great things with the fifty thousand that will be given to us” she beamed, singing praises for Bantu.
This latest act of service further highlights one of MMC cardinal objectives as a company, which is giving back to communities and lending a hand of support to future generations. Mother Teresa once said − It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.