Refiloe Molise
Lesotho’s dancesport athletes delivered a commanding performance at a regional competition held at the University of eSwatini last Saturday, returning home with an impressive haul of 12 gold, nine silver and one bronze medal across multiple categories.
The competition attracted participants and adjudicators from across Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana and the host nation, eSwatini. Lesotho fielded a strong team competing in both Latin and Standard divisions, dominating several events.
Bafokeng Liphalana and Hape Matlejane were among the standout performers, clinching gold in the Adult Championship Latin category. The pair also secured another top finish in the Adult Rising Star Standard division, reinforcing their status as leading figures in the sport after being named Sportsman of the Year in 2025.
Other gold medal winners included Sentjamela Mosehle and Mosili Ntho in Adult Rising Star Latin, Thapelo Mohlekoa and Mahlonolo Makoetje in Adult Level 3 Latin, and Molemo Mofeli and Khahliso Letuka in Adult Level 1 Latin.
In the junior categories, Lebohang Shea and Nthabiseng Rasethuntša emerged victorious in their respective solo Latin events, further underlining Lesotho’s depth of talent.
Nthejane Nthejane, acting president of the Federation of Dance Sport in Lesotho, said the results reflect the growing strength and commitment of local dancers.
“We currently do not have a national team because once it is formed it has to be fully funded and our resources have not yet reached that level, however, we continue to give local clubs opportunities to compete internationally whenever we receive invitations.”
He said the team’s participation in eSwatini was made possible through sponsorship support, which included first aid kits and makeup kits, enabling athletes to compete effectively at the regional event.
Nthejane explained that dancesport is a fully recognised competitive discipline requiring both technical skill and artistic expression.
“Dancesport is a sport played by both males and females, and it is judged on technical quality, partnering skills, choreography and presentation,” he said. “It is not just dancing for entertainment, there are strict principles and rules that athletes must follow.”
He noted that many of the dance styles featured in competitions originate from Latin American countries such as Cuba and Brazil, but have evolved into structured international sporting codes.
Lesotho also hosts one of the region’s premier dancesport events, the Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and attracting competitors from neighbouring countries.
According to Nthejane, the annual competition has played a key role in promoting the sport locally while providing Basotho dancers with exposure to international standards.
Summary
- Lesotho’s dancesport athletes delivered a commanding performance at a regional competition held at the University of eSwatini last Saturday, returning home with an impressive haul of 12 gold, nine silver and one bronze medal across multiple categories.
- Other gold medal winners included Sentjamela Mosehle and Mosili Ntho in Adult Rising Star Latin, Thapelo Mohlekoa and Mahlonolo Makoetje in Adult Level 3 Latin, and Molemo Mofeli and Khahliso Letuka in Adult Level 1 Latin.
- “Dancesport is a sport played by both males and females, and it is judged on technical quality, partnering skills, choreography and presentation,” he said.
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