Lesotho–South Africa relations colony) in 1884. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, there were moves by the UK to include Lesotho. However, in October 1966, the Kingdom gained full independence. Despite formal independence, the white-controlled government in South Africa played a major role in its neighbour's economic and political affairs, including supporting the government of Lesotho Prime Minister Chief Leabua Jonathan. In 1986, South Africa supported the coup d'état in Lesotho which brought Justin Lekhanya to power. In turn, Lekhanya's government expelled African National Congress members as well as technicians from North Korea, which led to significantly better relations
Football in Lesotho Football in Lesotho The sport of football in the country of Lesotho is run by the Lesotho Football Association. The association administers the national football team, as well as the Premier League. Football is the most popular sport in the country. The National Football Association Lesotho was founded in 1932 and renamed, in 1992, as "Lesotho Football Association" (LEFA). In 1964, the LEFA joined FIFA and the African Continental Confederation CAF. The current president is the lawyer Salemane Phafane. The Lesotho Premier League was founded in 1970 as the highest national league. At times it bore the names of sponsors.