Lesotho women’s football captain Boitumelo Rabale has taken another major step in her mission to transform the women’s game after officially launching the Boitumelo Rabale Foundation, an initiative dedicated to empowering girls and young women through football, education, mentorship and skills development.
The foundation, established by Rabale together with co-founder Chris Bullock, was officially unveiled during a gala dinner held at Mpilo Boutique in Maseru over the weekend. The event attracted members of the football fraternity, corporate partners and invited guests who gathered to celebrate the beginning of an initiative aimed at creating opportunities for young women both on and off the football field.
Beyond football development, the foundation seeks to promote gender equality, encourage educational advancement and equip young women with life skills that will enable them to become leaders in their communities.
The launch capped a landmark week for the foundation, which began with a media briefing held on July 7 at Ha-Seoli, Rabale’s home ground, where the vision and objectives of the organisation were unveiled.
The foundation’s first major sporting event, the inaugural Botho Cup, was successfully staged on Friday and Saturday at BambathaTsita Sports Arena in partnership with the Lady M Foundation.
The tournament served as more than a pre-season competition. It was designed to empower young girls and women through sport while creating educational opportunities, promoting youth empowerment and raising awareness against gender-based violence.
The event received royal recognition with the attendance of His Royal Highness Prince LerotholiMohatoSeeiso, whose presence underlined the importance of women’s football and the social impact the foundation hopes to achieve. The Crown Prince also participated in a charity match organised by the foundation, impressing many with a composed performance in central defence.
On the pitch, Rejoice Academy emerged as champions of the inaugural competition after an impressive campaign. Emmanuel Queens finished as runners-up, while Mpaola United claimed third place in a tournament that showcased some of Lesotho’s brightest young female football talent.
Organisers described the competition as the beginning of what they hope will become an annual platform for identifying and developing future stars while using football as a vehicle for social change.
In another significant gesture during the launch week, the Boitumelo Rabale Foundation donated a full set of playing kits to Emmanuel Ladies FC as the club prepares for its historic debut in the Women’s Super League.
The donation carried special significance for Rabale, who began her football journey at Emmanuel Ladies before progressing to become Lesotho’s most decorated female footballer and a star with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, foundation co-founder Chris Bullock praised Emmanuel Ladies for nurturing Rabale’s talent and urged the club to continue developing young players.
“Emmanuel Ladies did an outstanding job in nurturing Boitumelo’s talent. They should continue with the excellent work because the foundation is looking forward to discovering another talented player from Emmanuel who can follow in Rabale’s footsteps,” Bullock said.
He added that Rabale’s remarkable rise would not have been possible without the opportunity the club provided.
“If Emmanuel had not given her the platform to showcase her talent, she might never have been noticed by MamelodiSundowns Ladies,” he said.
The donation was welcomed by Lady M Foundation representative ‘Mamotake Matekane, who praised Rabale for giving back to the club that laid the foundation for her successful career.
“What Boitumelo has done is truly commendable. I hope other successful athletes will follow her example by supporting the communities and clubs that helped shape their careers,” Matekane said.
She noted that while reaching the highest level of sport requires tremendous commitment, successful athletes have a responsibility to inspire younger generations and create opportunities for those coming behind them.
The Botho Cup provided valuable preparation for Emmanuel Ladies ahead of their maiden Women’s Super League campaign as they tested themselves against Mpaola Ladies, Kick4Life Juniors and eventual champions Rejoice Academy.For Rabale, however, the results were only part of a much bigger picture.
Through the Boitumelo Rabale Foundation, Lesotho’s national team captain hopes to build a lasting legacy that extends far beyond trophies and accolades. By combining football with education, mentorship and advocacy against gender-based violence, the foundation aims to create pathways for girls across the country to pursue both sporting excellence and brighter futures.
Summary
- The event attracted members of the football fraternity, corporate partners and invited guests who gathered to celebrate the beginning of an initiative aimed at creating opportunities for young women both on and off the football field.
- The launch capped a landmark week for the foundation, which began with a media briefing held on July 7 at Ha-Seoli, Rabale’s home ground, where the vision and objectives of the organisation were unveiled.
- In another significant gesture during the launch week, the Boitumelo Rabale Foundation donated a full set of playing kits to Emmanuel Ladies FC as the club prepares for its historic debut in the Women’s Super League.
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.
