By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-DIFA Berea, one of the district football associations in Lesotho, has recently announced a new sponsorship agreement with Shine Lounge and Restaurant. This partnership aims to strengthen the district’s football development and support up-and-coming players.
Soccer is more than just a sport in Lesotho, it is a way of life. Local teams and leagues provide a sense of community and pride for both players and fans. In order to keep the game thriving at all levels, support from local businesses is crucial.
The formalization of this partnership took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Teya-Teyaneng, in the presence of representatives from both DIFA Berea and Shine Lounge. The agreement includes various forms of support from the company, including administrative assistance and sponsorship of the District B Division Play-Offs.
One of the most significant benefits of this partnership is the provision of administrative support to DIFA Berea. Shine Lounge will equip the district’s office with computers to enhance efficiency during the registration period. This will help to streamline processes and prevent delays, ensuring that players and teams can focus on their game rather than paperwork.
Additionally, the winning team of the B Division Play-Offs will receive sports equipment as a prize from Shine Lounge. This will not only motivate the players but also provide them with the tools they need to continue developing their skills and competing at higher levels.
In a show of their commitment to the sport and the community, Shine Lounge has also pledged to provide internet services to all DIFA Berea offices and uniforms for its staff. These contributions will further enhance the operations of the district’s football association and support its growth.
Furthermore, the winning team from the B Division Play-Offs will receive assistance from Shine Lounge to compete in the national B Division Play-Offs finals. This will provide talented players from the district with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially make it to the national level.
The President of DIFA Berea, Mr. Lekhooa Thabaneng, expressed his satisfaction with this partnership by highlighting the importance of the computers and how they will help make the registration process more efficient. He also mentioned that this sponsorship is a replacement for the previous agreement with Papilon Fish and Chips, which unfortunately had to be terminated due to unforeseen circumstances.
Under this partnership, Shine Lounge has committed to providing a financial package of M160,000, which will be disbursed in annual installments of M40,000 over the duration of the agreement. This financial support will go towards the development of football in the district and help build a strong foundation for future players and teams.
This sponsorship agreement between DIFA Berea and Shine Lounge and Restaurant is set to make a positive impact on the football community in the district. It is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting local sports and promoting talent development. With the support of Shine Lounge and other businesses, the future of football in Lesotho looks brighter than ever.