IN a bid to develop soccer at district level, the District Football Association (DIFA) Berea has sealed a one-year sponsorship deal worth M40 000 with Limpho Tau Foundation (LTF).

The contract that will finance teams in the B and C Divisions as well as female football was signed on Saturday at Assumption High School in TY, Berea.

In his remarks, LTF founder who is also MP for Teyateyaneng, Limpho Tau said a childhood injury on the leg killed his dream to become a soccer player and as a result, he ended up resorting to singing.

He urged the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) and DIFAs in all districts to develop strategies to somehow include people with disabilities in football.

“It is also important to include retired football legends as they have a lot to share in terms of the development of football.”

Tau who also served as Lioli FC president from 2007 to 2009 said some of the major activities which unite communities include football and prayers session, highlighting the importance of developing both football and praying in a bid to bring people together.

For his part, president of DIFA Berea, Lekhooa Thabaneng said in the past, several teams failed to make it to the play-offs due to financial constraints, expressing his gratitude to their benefactor on behalf of the association.

Berea has one team – Lilemela playing in the A Division with both Lioli and Sefothafotha FC in the Premier League.

Berea Ladies play in the Women Super League.

Thabaneng said the association is looking forward to having more representation in all the divisions.

“We are going to do everything possible as the DIFA office to support teams through skills development in areas such as coaching, refereeing and grass root development like the under-15 leagues.”