{"id":8672,"date":"2026-05-28T09:45:40","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T09:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/?p=8672"},"modified":"2026-05-29T15:09:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T15:09:50","slug":"eucalyptus-poles-outline-stadium-of-life-for-footballers-in-lesotho","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.angesfinanciers.org\/index.php\/2026\/05\/28\/eucalyptus-poles-outline-stadium-of-life-for-footballers-in-lesotho\/","title":{"rendered":"Eucalyptus poles outline Stadium of Life for footballers in Lesotho"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Stadium<\/div>\n

Zigzagging eucalyptus poles and sandstone<\/a> offcuts form the stands of this 1,280-seat football stadium<\/a>, designed and built by not-for-profit enterprise Rise International in Lesotho, southern Africa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Created for the social enterprise hub Kick4Life<\/a>, the Stadium of Life was developed with the local community in the capital, Maseru, to complement its surroundings.<\/p>\n

\"Football
Rise International has created the Stadium of Life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The project was the result of Rise International<\/a>‘s In Loco programme, which provides hands-on construction training for young people living in rural African communities.<\/p>\n

While creating jobs for locals, the project has also provided Lesotho with a permanent home for its men’s and women’s football teams for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"Stadium
It is constructed from eucalyptus poles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The Stadium of Life is a unique project not only as it’s the world’s first purpose-planned stadium for social change, but also because of the unique design and build process utilised,” said Rise International.<\/p>\n

“Kick4Life lacked a stadium in Lesotho, and this project fills that gap, fostering sports, culture and social engagement. Its design blends modern infrastructure with tradition, ensuring harmony with the landscape.”<\/p>\n

\"Football
Sandstone is used for seating and paving<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Officially opened earlier this month, the Stadium of Life is described by Rise International as a “visually striking, culturally resonant landmark”. It encompasses 900 square metres and peaks at five metres in height.<\/p>\n

It repurposes a previously dusty and sandy dirt field with no landscaping, which had been subject to flooding.<\/p>\n

Spectator seating, fencing and canopies have all been crafted from 8,584 treated eucalyptus poles, or gum poles.<\/p>\n

Its design was developed to fit into its natural surroundings while incorporating modern interpretations of local vernacular and crafts such as litema \u2013 a form of Sotho mural art.<\/p>\n

\"Stadium
The stadium was built with members of the local community<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Built with gum poles, it reflects traditional architecture and celebrates the beauty of the Qoaling and Qoatsaneng mountains that lie in the stadium’s backdrop,” said Rise International.<\/p>\n

“The zigzag pattern of vertical poles reflects the ‘litema’ designs vernacular local render technique honouring local artistry, while timber lathes provide shading reminiscent of indigenous thatched roofing.”<\/p>\n

According to the organisation, all of the wood used in the project is FSC-sourced timber, sourced from timber company MTO Forestry<\/a>‘s plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa.<\/p>\n

Kick4Life said it is “Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium”.<\/p>\n

\"Eucalyptus-wood
A total of 8584 gum poles were used<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Stadium of Life is deliberately open-air, eliminating the need for power for light and ventilation. It was also oriented to maximise natural light and minimise heat buildup.<\/p>\n

Alongside the wooden structure, sandstone paving and seating line the pitch beneath timber canopies, designed for durability and easy maintenance. The stone was sourced from local quarry offcuts.<\/p>\n

A key part of the project was landscaping, which has helped restore ecological balance at the site and minimise flooding.<\/p>\n

\"Stadium
Landscaping with native planting was introduced as part of the project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It involved introducing permeable surfaces and local trees, shrubs and grasses, which are deliberately low-maintenance and require minimal water. A highlight is the Biodiversity Stand \u2013 a stepped feature within the landscape that showcases native plants, designed in collaboration with architecture and design collective Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“The stadium sets a new benchmark for sustainable development in Lesotho and beyond,” said Rise International.<\/p>\n