The Cycling Federation of Lesotho (CFL) has announced four athletes who will represent the country in two major continental competitions, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s rising profile on the international cycling arena.
The federation confirmed this week that Kabelo Makatile and Khotsofalang Rakaota will compete at the African Road Bike Championship, to be held in Kenya from November 19 to 23, 2025. The duo will be coached by seasoned trainer Malefatsane Lesofe.
At the same time, promising youngsters Tšaba Sefale and Seutloali Morie have been selected to represent Lesotho at the African Youth Games scheduled for Luanda, Angola, from September 10 to 20 next year. They will be under the mentorship of Coach Malefetsane Morie.
Cycling continues to emerge as one of Lesotho’s fastest-growing sports, with more local athletes stepping onto international platforms.
In recent years, the country’s cyclists have participated in major global events, including the prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships, where Kabelo Makatile and Pontšo Makatile previously flew the flag.
The growth of the sport has also been boosted by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC), which recently unveiled a list of athletes set to receive support as they prepare for the 2026 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Among those selected are Kabelo and Pontšo Makatile, reflecting the increasing confidence in their potential.
CFL’s spokesperson Malefane Morie underscored the broader significance of these international opportunities.
“Having representatives at these competitions is important because it raises Lesotho’s flag high, helps athletes reach higher levels of performance, and shows that our cycling sport is growing strongly,” Morie said.
He added that the sport’s development is evident in the growing number of young Basotho taking up cycling and participating in ongoing training programmes.
“We see growing interest among the youth, and this gives us hope that the future of cycling will be bright because we will have a strong pool of athletes,” he noted.
Morie also highlighted the importance of sustained support for athletes, emphasising that the involvement of the LNOC has been crucial in providing access to equipment and opportunities for international exposure.
According to him, the Federation remains committed to strengthening training programmes and expanding competitive opportunities, efforts he believes will elevate the sport while transforming the lives of young cyclists.
Summary
- The Cycling Federation of Lesotho (CFL) has announced four athletes who will represent the country in two major continental competitions, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s rising profile on the international cycling arena.
- The growth of the sport has also been boosted by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC), which recently unveiled a list of athletes set to receive support as they prepare for the 2026 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
- “We see growing interest among the youth, and this gives us hope that the future of cycling will be bright because we will have a strong pool of athletes,” he noted.
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.
