By Tumelo Maseka
MASERU
Miloane Foundation 5th tournament successfully concluded on Sunday with Mafokotsane FC scourging Speedo Flamingo FC 1-0.
Mafokotsane earned championship for this 5th Miloane Foundation Soccer Tournament where Maseru United also whipped Seoli Liverpool 1-0 to claim the third place, in their play that took place at Phuthiatsana High School, Semphethenyane.
On 1st place, Mafokotsane won jersey, a trophy and gold medals, on 2nd place Speedo Flamingo won a jersey and silver medals, 3rd place Seoli Liverpool won goal-post nets and bronze medals and on 4th place Maseru United won first aid kit.
Miloane Foundation was established in 2016 by Phillip Miloane and his brother Mosiuoa Miloane in partnership with Lithoteng Police, aiming to reduce various crimes intensification during the festive seasons through an annual tournament. The tournament was meant for teams in Qoaling region where they pay a certain amount in order to compete in the tournament.
Since the eruption of Covid-19 pandemic that halted various sporting activities, Miloane Foundation could not hold its tournaments. I t was supposed to host the 7th tournament this year.
The first round of the 5th Miloane Foundation tournament was held in April 2022 where teams such as Seoli Liverpool, Alliance, Matala Citizen, Matala Fairways, Leqele, Mafofela, Maseru United, Mafokotsane, Speedo Flamingo, Red City, Black Sundowns and Limama participated. The tournament was divided into four groups where the winning team from each group was to play quarterfinals, semi-finals and then finals.
In an interview with Informative Sport, Lesotho Travel Specialist and Managing Director Tšeliso Tale highlighted that the motive of the tournament was to reduce crime, more especially among youngsters who sometimes engage in criminal activities for money.
“We also want the girls to engage in the tournament to avoid challenges that they encounter in their teenage, through women soccer and netball,” he said.
Tale further indicated that since the tournament is mainly sponsored by Miloane Foundation, it does not cover all basic needs for the tournament, hence they invite other sponsors to invest in the tournament for its national recognition.
The tournament was graced with the presence of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Referee Victor Hlongwani alongside his Assistant Referee Ace Madisilane and tournament sponsor and Founder Phillip Miloane.