The construction team included members of the local community.
The FSC Stadium of Life in Maseru, Lesotho, has been selected for the Top 50: EMEA Regional Showcase at the Dezeen Awards 2026, from more than 4,300 entries across 91 countries.
The FSC Stadium of Life at the Kick4Life Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, is Southern Africa’s first FSC-certified project and Africa’s first timber stadium to receive FSC certification.
Designed and built by Rise International for Kick4Life Football Club, the stadium features 8,584 treated eucalyptus poles sourced from MTO Forestry’s FSC certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Independently certified under FSC Project Certification, it is Africa’s first FSC certified timber stadium and also features a biodiversity stand showcasing plant species from all ten of Lesotho’s districts and the Theatre of Life, an outdoor space for education and cultural activities.
The FSC Stadium of Life in Lesotho was the first FSC-certified Project in Southern Africa.
The recognition highlights what can be achieved when responsible sourcing, traceability and innovative design come together. Congratulations to Kick4Life, Rise International and all the partners involved in bringing this pioneering project to life.
From a supply-chain perspective, the project demonstrates how project-level demand can influence sourcing decisions. A design decision made in Lesotho led to an order for South African poles, which in turn created demand linked to certified plantations in Mpumalanga.
The stadium also demonstrates what responsibly sourced timber can support beyond construction. Designed as a multipurpose facility, it serves as a hub for sport, climate education, entrepreneurship training, health, and community development.