The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has successfully concluded its nationwide district-level football competition, a cornerstone of its ongoing effort to scout and nurture young football talent through the School of Excellence Programme (SEP).
The recently completed competition saw 50 promising boys under the age of 15 selected to proceed to the next stage of the SEP, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s quest to build the foundation for Lesotho’s future national team.
The selection followed a thrilling final match in Maseru between teams from Maseru and Thaba-Tseka.
The competition began in 2024 as part of LeFA’s broader strategy to develop football talent from the grassroots. The initiative has brought together children from across the country to compete, sharpen their skills, and be exposed to structured football development.
According to LeFA’s Technical Director Caswell Moru, the competition is not only about discovering raw talent but also about instilling strong technical skills in young players early in their development.
“We have brought together children from the districts of Leribe, Butha-Buthe, and Berea to compete,” said Moru. “Unfortunately, Mokhotlong could not participate this time due to poor weather conditions, but we plan to include them in the next round.”
Since its inception, the SEP has steadily expanded, starting with Leribe, Berea, and Butha-Buthe, before moving on to Mohale’s Hoek, Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, and Mafeteng. An earlier edition also scouted 55 girls, narrowing them down to 33 who are now being developed under the program.
Moru noted that districts like Mohale’s Hoek and Leribe continue to produce talented youngsters, offering strong hope for the long-term success of the national football pipeline.
“There is already promising talent among these youngsters, but there are also others who, if given a chance, could prove themselves. That is the purpose of this scouting initiative.”
LeFA’s ultimate goal is to form a formidable national U-15 team, composed of the most outstanding players from every participating district. Moru emphasised the need for continued investment and logistical support, especially in hard-to-reach areas where football potential is often overlooked.
“We need to properly train male and female facilitators and coaches at the grassroots level. This will help reduce conflicts and complaints about player selection,” he explained.
To ensure transparency and fairness, LeFA has collaborated closely with local coaches in each district throughout the selection process. The association also called on schools and parents to actively support and encourage children to take part in football activities, recognising the critical role they play in nurturing future talent.
The SEP is already showing results. Talents such as Mosoeu Seahlolo and Hlomelang Lebina, both products of the program, have advanced to the senior national team, Likuena, and now play for leading domestic clubs including Majantja FC and LDF FC.
Lebina praised the program for shaping his football journey: “This initiative played a major role in my development. I encourage every young player to take it seriously. Learn the game while you are still young, it is much harder when you start late.”
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
