Balancing goals on and off the pitch: The story of young Kulehile

In Lesotho’s evolving football landscape, where talent alone is no longer enough, 22-year-old Molefi Kuzaya Kulehile is emerging as a powerful example of what it means to succeed both on and off the pitch.

Hailing from Thabana-Morena in Mafeteng, Kulehile is not just a promising footballer, he is a student, mentor, and aspiring coach whose journey reflects discipline, resilience, and ambition.

His relationship with Kick4Life began nearly a decade ago. In 2016, he attended the academy trials in Mohale’s Hoek, eventually making it to the final selection stage in Maseru. Though he was not selected at the time, the experience left a lasting impression.

“I carried that dream for years, to one day wear the Kick4Life badge,” Kulehile recalls.

That dream became reality in February 2025 when he officially joined the club, initially on loan from Majantja FC before securing a permanent move. Encouraged by Juventude assistant coach MonyaneSeeiso, Kulehile embraced the opportunity at a time when he was also preparing to begin full-time studies in Maseru.

Since then, he has made an immediate impact. With eight goals to his name, Kulehile has established himself as a key figure in Kick4Life’s Juventude side, competing in the country’s national lower division league.

But his influence stretches far beyond matchday performances.

A recently qualified Certified Accounting Technician, Kulehile is currently pursuing his General Accounting qualification, an academic path he balances alongside his football commitments. This dual focus reflects Kick4Life’s philosophy of developing student-athletes equipped for life beyond sport.

Off the field, Kulehile dedicates his time to coaching within the club’s grassroots structures. He works with children aged four to fifteen in the football school programme, as well as with Under-15 and Under-17 development squads, critical pipelines for the club’s competitive teams.

Through coaching, he has developed skills that extend well beyond football.

“It has helped me grow in confidence, especially speaking in front of groups and working with different personalities,” he explains. “It’s also taught me discipline and responsibility.”

Those qualities have not gone unnoticed. In January 2026, head coach MuketeMboh appointed Kulehile as one of the vice-captains of the senior team, citing his leadership and commitment.

“His discipline in training and his ability to guide younger players stood out. He has grown into a leader both on and off the field,” Mboh said.

Interestingly, coaching was never part of Kulehile’s original plan. Today, however, it has become a central part of his vision for the future. He now aspires to become a professional coach while continuing his career in accounting, a dual pathway he believes will provide long-term stability.

His motivation is rooted in impact. Kulehile dreams of helping young Basotho players secure international scholarships, particularly in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

“For me, seeing them succeed would mean everything,” he says. “It would show that their dreams are possible.”

To that end, he actively engages with Kick4Life’s Scholar-Football Academy programme, connecting with peers abroad and learning how best to guide his players toward similar opportunities.

Today, Kulehile’s daily routine is a balancing act training sessions, competitive matches, academic assignments, and mentorship responsibilities. Yet, he embraces it all with a clear sense of purpose.

In many ways, his journey mirrors the mission of Kick4Life itself: using football not just as a game, but as a vehicle for education, leadership, and lasting social change.

Seabata Mahao

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.