Maso Wins Big

(MENAFN- The Post) MASERU – Lioli midfield maestro Sihle Maso capped off a phenomenal campaign with yet another standout performance - this time off the pitch - as he dominated the club's glittering end-of-season awards held on Saturday evening at the Blue Mountain Inn in Teyateyaneng.

Maso, who stole the spotlight at last month's Vodacom Premier League (VPL) Awards, where he pocketed M27 000 after being named both Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, once again emerged as the standout figure as Lioli honoured the stars behind their title-winning campaign.

The South African-born dynamo walked away with four major awards, bringing his total haul on the night to M25 000 - M20 000 in award winnings plus a M5 000 bonus awarded to all players. His accolades included Supporters' Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season, Top Goalscorer and the coveted Player of the Season.

It was a fitting recognition of Maso's consistency, influence, and leadership in the heart of Lioli's midfield as 'Tse Nala' successfully defended their Vodacom Premier League title - becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since Bantu did so in 2017 and 2018.

Just one year ago, Maso was named Most Improved Player, and his transformation into one of the country's elite performers is a testament to his relentless work ethic and personal development.

“Last year, Sihle was awarded Most Improved Player - you see what happens when you work hard,” said Lioli president Lebohang Thotanyana, addressing players, sponsors and dignitaries at the ceremony.

“Let this be an example to others. Those who won tonight didn't win because they're the best - they won because others helped them. Football is a team sport. You score because someone assisted you.”

The evening wasn't only about celebrating current success but also recognising past contributions and looking ahead. Thotanyana publicly thanked former coach Motheo Mohapi, who was in attendance, for leading the club to successive titles before departing for rivals Bantu.

“Good luck, coach. You did a wonderful job,” said Thotanyana.“But we'll meet at the centre next season - and we'll be there to defend our honours.”

He also called on supporters to get behind new head coach Bongani Maseko, who now carries the weight of expectation as he looks to continue Lioli's recent success.

Another key player honored on the night was Mphale Mphalaole, who took home the title of Most Disciplined Player and Defender of the Season, receiving M10,000 also earned Premier League Defender of the Season recognition at the Vodacom Premier League awards, further cementing his reputation as one of Lesotho's most consistent performers.

The club also recognised outstanding contributions off the field. Supporter of the Season went to Itumeleng Monyane (M2 000), while a Lifetime Presidential Award was presented to club legend Tšiu Maraka - one of the most respected figures in Lioli's history - also receiving M2 000.

The Outstanding Contribution Award went to Tankiso Moletsane and well-known supporter Sakisi“Hot Pot”, each receiving M2,000 for their unwavering commitment to the club and community.

In appreciation of collective effort, every player and member of the technical team was awarded a M5 000 bonus - a move that reinforces the club's culture of unity and excellence.

With the dust now settled on another successful domestic campaign, Lioli's focus turns to the upcoming season - one that includes a return to the CAF Champions League for the first time in nearly a decade.

Armed with a new coach, a hungry squad and a midfield general in Sihle Maso who continues to raise the bar, 'Tse Nala' are ready to take their ambitions beyond Lesotho's borders.

Award Winners:

Supporters' Player of the Season: Sihle Maso (M2 000)
Young Player of the Season: Tholang Makuru (M5 000)
Most Improved Player: Leluma Posholi (M5 000)
Most Disciplined Player: Mphale Mphalaole (M5 000)
Goalkeeper of the Season: William Huni (M5 000)
Defender of the Season: Mphale Mphalaole (M5,000)
Midfielder of the Season: Thabang Klaas (M5 000)
Players' Player of the Season: Sihle Maso (M5 000)
Top Goalscorer: Sihle Maso (M6 000)
Player of the Season: Sihle Maso (M7 000)

Tlalane Phahla

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