Berea __ (DIFA) Berea has penned down a four years sponsorship deal of M160,000,00 with The Shine Lounge in support of soccer development at district level.

DIFA Berea President Mr. Lekhooa Thabaneng confirmed the development during an interview with the Agency on Wednesday.

Mr. Thabaneng said the sponsorship agreement which came into effect on Tuesday is scheduled to end in May 2028, whereby each and every sporting year they will be getting M40,000,00 from The Shine Lounge.

He further said the much-needed financial support came at the right time when they are still under the recovery phase inflicted by COVID-19 pandemic, whereby they saw a drastic decline of subvention from Lesotho Football Association (LEFA).

Mr. Thabaneng highlighted that it will play a significant role supporting their office administrative issues, highlighting that they have plans to connect the internet, refurbish their office space and procurement of office furniture.

DIFA President added that during the FIFA Connect registration process, they will also engage a temporary staff to assist teams with the online registration process.

Mr. Thabaneng further said they are going to support the B-division team which will qualify for the play offs with some logistical issues.

On the other hand, DIFA President said their plans of hosting a refresher course for referees are in the pipeline and as a result such financial support will make a huge contribution to the success of their projects.

When approached for a comment, The Shine Lounge owner Mr. Motheo Nts’olo who hails from Ha-Mamathe said initiative to extend a helping hand to DIFA was only influenced by its proper management, hence it became easy to enter into sponsorship agreement.

Mr. Nts’olo added that it has come to their attention that the standard of soccer in Berea district has recently enjoyed growth from the lower-level divisions up to the premier league level, adding that also promotes growth to their businesses.

He pointed out that they believe in the principle of growing together, hence the initiative to plough back to the community by investing in DIFA as soccer is among the sporting codes which attracts many people.

The Shine Lounge sponsorship deal with DIFA Berea succeeds the Papillon Fish and Chips sponsorship which lapsed prematurely in July after the passing of its owner.