Kick4Life Academy student-athlete Senate Letsie has added another remarkable achievement to an already inspiring journey after graduating from Cape Breton University (CBU) in Canada with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Anthro-Sociology.
The May 28, 2026 graduation marks a significant milestone for the Moshoeshoe II-born footballer, whose story has become a powerful example of how sport, education and community service can transform lives.
Kick4Life celebrated Letsie’s achievement, describing it as the latest chapter in a journey characterised by excellence both on and off the football field.
Although she officially joined Kick4Life in 2009, Letsie’s relationship with the organisation began much earlier. As a primary school learner, she first encountered Kick4Life through its HIV and AIDS awareness initiatives conducted in partnership with Lesotho’s senior men’s national team, Likuena.
“My journey with Kick4Life began long before I officially joined the organisation,” said Letsie.
“I first knew about Kick4Life when I was in primary school, and I admired the work they were doing in communities.”
Soon after joining the organisation, she was selected among four young women to represent Kick4Life at youth development events linked to the Confederations Cup in Cape Town ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Her passion for community development quickly became evident. In 2012, she volunteered as a Life Skills Coach, delivering educational sessions to young people after completing Kick4Life’s life-skills training programme.
Later, while studying for a Diploma in Pastoral Care and Counselling at the National University of Lesotho, she undertook an internship with the organisation in 2016.
A major breakthrough came in 2017 when Letsie became the first female footballer to secure a student-athlete scholarship through Kick4Life. The scholarship took her to Lewis and Clark Community College in Illinois, United States, opening doors not only for herself but also for future generations of young women seeking opportunities through football.
During her two seasons in the United States, she excelled academically and athletically. She helped her team win back-to-back conference championships and qualify for national tournaments in both years. Her outstanding debut season earned her selection to the All-Region Team of the Year.
Alongside her football success, she completed an Associate Degree in Arts before returning home in 2020 due to restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Back in Lesotho, Letsie continued to make an impact. She played a key role for Kick4Life Women, helping the club lift the Dare to Dream Tournament title in 2021. At the same time, she resumed her work as a peer educator and Life Skills Coach, empowering young people through HIV and AIDS awareness and personal development programmes.
In January 2022, another opportunity emerged when she secured a full scholarship to study and play football at Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Balancing university studies with the demands of collegiate football, Letsie continued to thrive. During her first season, she helped the CBU Capers enjoy a successful campaign and earned selection to the league’s Second All-Star Team.
“Being selected to the Second All-Star Club during my first season was a proud moment for me,” she said. “It showed me that hard work and perseverance can open doors, even when you’re adapting to a completely new environment.”
However, her journey was not without setbacks. An injury ahead of the 2023/24 season limited her playing opportunities and eventually led her to focus on completing her academic studies.
Despite the disappointment, she remained determined and successfully completed her degree this year.
Beyond club football, Letsie has represented Lesotho’s senior women’s national team, further strengthening her reputation as one of the country’s ambassadors for women’s football. She has also spoken at conferences and events in the United States, sharing her experiences and advocating for the power of education, sport and youth development.
Now preparing for the next phase of her life, Letsie is transitioning from a student visa to a work visa in Canada as she seeks to establish herself in the corporate sector.
“I am excited about the opportunity to apply everything I have learned through my education, my experiences with Kick4Life and my academic journey in a professional setting,” she said.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my career, and I look forward to finding a meaningful role in Canada where I can put my skills and knowledge into practice while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”
Reflecting on her journey, Letsie highlighted resilience as the key lesson she has learned.
“I have learned never to give up, no matter how challenging the obstacles I come across in life are. I’m proud of how far I have come, and I’m grateful for my life and the opportunities that I have through Kick4Life,” she said.
Summary
- Kick4Life Academy student-athlete Senate Letsie has added another remarkable achievement to an already inspiring journey after graduating from Cape Breton University (CBU) in Canada with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Anthro-Sociology.
- Lesotho international and Kick4Life Academy alumna Senate Letsie has graduated from Cape Breton University in Canada, adding a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Anthro-Sociology to her growing list of accomplishments.
- From Kick4Life Academy to graduation in Canada, Senate Letsie has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Anthro-Sociology from Cape Breton University, continuing her remarkable journey of achievement on and off the field.
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.
