Lesotho’s boxing team has made the nation proud at the Zone 4 African Championships in Maputo, Mozambique, securing a total of seven medals.
Held from February 26 to March 2, 2025, the tournament saw fierce competition, but Lesotho’s talented boxers rose to the occasion, bringing home two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes.
The standout performances came from Mathealira Seholoholo and Monaheng Khebe, who both won gold medals in their respective weight categories. Seholoholo triumphed in the men’s 54kg division, while Khebe emerged victorious in the men’s 60kg category, adding two prestigious gold medals to Lesotho’s tally.
In addition to the golds, Lesotho boxers Retšelisitsoe Kolobe (48kg) and Toka Litabe (57kg) secured silver medals in their divisions, further solidifying the country’s reputation for producing skilled fighters.
Meanwhile, RapelangMaselela, the sole female representative from Lesotho, earned a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg category, making her achievement particularly significant in a competition dominated by male participants.
As a result of their remarkable performance, Lesotho ranked third overall in the tournament, a commendable feat considering the limited number of athletes they sent. The team’s five medals were enough to secure a trophy for the nation, a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication.
The host nation, Mozambique, finished at the top of the standings with 14 medals, including 8 golds. Botswana secured second place with a total of 2 golds, 3 silvers, and 3 bronzes, while Lesotho’s impressive haul earned them third place and further boosted the nation’s pride in its boxing program.
Thabiso Nketu, coach of the Lesotho team, expressed his pride in the boxers’ achievements, noting that the results could have been even better had more athletes been sent to the tournament.
“I am upbeat with the execution of my boxers and the results—five medals and a trophy are commendable. Had we taken more boxers, I am sure we would have at least secured second place,” Nketu said.
The coach also acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, including limited funding for adequate preparation. Despite these hurdles, Nketu was full of praise for the dedication of the coaches and the National Boxing Federation, who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the team on the international stage.
Other countries participating in the championship included South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, and Malawi.
With the strong performances at the Zone 4 African Championships, Lesotho’s boxing prospects are looking bright, and the achievements of these athletes have certainly raised expectations for future competitions.
Their success is a testament to the potential within Lesotho’s boxing scene, and with continued support, these athletes are poised to compete at even higher levels.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
