By Neo Kolane
Alliance Insurance Group launched the 5th Alliance Winter Challenge Soccer Tournament this week in Maseru after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alliance Winter Challenge is a soccer tournament that is meant to assist the sponsored teams that are affiliated with Alliance.
The sponsored teams are Matlama, Lioli, Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) and Linare.
Four teams in the premier league clubs that are sponsored by Alliance Insurance are set to clash for the winter challenge which will take place on August 28 at DiFa stadium in Maputsoe and champions will walk away with M25 000.
The draw took place with Lioli FC put against LCS FC while premier league champions Matlama will clash with Linare FC.
Speaking at the event, the head of marketing and communications of Alliance, ‘Makeabetsoe Mabaleha said that there will be a meet and greet at the three different districts before the actual tournament; Leribe on August 26, Maseru on August 23 and Berea on August 19 so that the air for the tournament will be felt.
Mabaleha said Alliance wants fans to meet the soccer stars and to give them an opportunity and ask some questions if there may be some.
She thought: “When you go to the tournament it is hard to meet with the soccer stars.”
The marketing manager of LCS Tṧepang Sootho observed that the winter challenge “is very important because it comes at a time when the clubs prepare for the pre-season.”
Sootho said the money they will be receiving for either the prize money or gate takings will assist in attending to some of the club’s financial needs.
“Not all our players work at LCS and some need transportation money to get to the stadiums.
“As a club, we need to take responsibility and the prize money will assist in the day to day running of the club,” Sootho explained.
