By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-Excitement is in the air as Lesotho’s national football team, Likuena, gears up to face Central African Republic (CAR) in the upcoming TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier.
However, there is a major update that has caught the attention of football enthusiasts – the match will be played behind closed doors. This means that there will be no audience present at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein when the match kicks off on Thursday, November 14th.
While this news may come as a disappointment to some fans, the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has made this decision after carefully considering various factors. LeFA decided to withdraw the commitment of incurring the costs of stadium fees and security.
By playing the match behind closed doors, LeFA estimates a savings of over M100, 000 – a significant amount that can be utilized for the development of football in the country.
But why has this decision been made specifically for the Likuena vs CAR match?
This is due to the low turnout of spectators for Likuena matches since the team has been forced to play their home games in South Africa (SA), as Setsoto Stadium has been suspended from hosting international matches. This has been a major setback for LeFA and the team, as they have not been able to play in front of their home crowd and enjoy the support and energy that comes with it.
Looking at the bigger picture, it is not just Lesotho that has been playing their matches outside their home country. Our neighbouring country Namibia, has also been facing a similar situation where they have had to shell out a large sums of money for stadium and security fees.
In order to avoid this financial strain, they have also resorted to playing their matches behind closed doors. It is a decision that has been taken by many nations to cut down on costs and ensure the sustainability of their football programs.
As a responsible and forward-thinking association, LeFA made this decision for the betterment of football in Lesotho. By saving on costs, they can focus on investing in other areas such as the development of grassroots football, coaching programs, and facilities. This step will not only benefit the current national team but also pave the way for future generations of footballers in Lesotho.
However, fans need not be disheartened as LeFA has assured that this decision is only temporary. The next match against Angola, which is part of the African Nations Championship second round, will be played with spectators in attendance. This is a crucial match for Likuena and is likely to be played on a weekend, enabling fans from Lesotho to show their support in large numbers. The stakes will be higher, and the atmosphere is sure to be electrifying.
While the news of Likuena vs CAR being played behind closed doors may have caused some disappointment, it is a decision that has been taken keeping in mind the best interests of Lesotho football. LeFA is committed to the growth and development of the sport in the country, and this step is just one of many initiatives taken in that direction.
As fans, continue to support the national team and look forward to an exciting encounter against Angola with full stadiums and a vibrant atmosphere.
The decision to host the Likuena’s clash against Central African Republic behind closed doors may seem like a bold move, also a strategic one that demonstrates the Lesotho Football Association’s (LeFA) commitment to fiscal responsibility.
With an eye on the future and the upcoming high- AFCON 2025 second round, LeFA is prioritizing the maximization of resources and minimizing costs, while maintaining the quality and integrity of the game. The move to play behind closed doors, while unorthodox, is a calculated one that will put Likuena in a better financial position in the long run.
Likuena’s journey to AFCON 2025 is off to a unique and pragmatic start, with the Lesotho Football Association prioritizing financial prudence and the team’s future success over immediate revenue.
While this initial match against CAR may be a relatively quiet affair, Likuena’s ambitions for the AFCON 2025 are anything but muted. With the support of LeFA and the nation behind them, the team will no doubt continue to forge a path to success, fuelled by their dedication and drive.