Two of Lesotho’s promising young footballers, Bafokeng Ntšeno and Thabo Motsopa, are set to embark on life-changing educational and sporting journeys abroad after securing prestigious international scholarships through Kick4Life.
The scholarships were officially announced during a press conference held at Kick4Life headquarters on Wednesday, where family members, coaches, teachers and education stakeholders gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the two youngsters.
Their departures mean that four Kick4Life graduates will have left Lesotho within the space of a month to pursue higher education overseas, highlighting the organisation’s growing success in using football as a pathway to education, leadership and personal development.
Nineteen-year-old Ntšenohas secured a scholarship to Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee, United States, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, specialising in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He begins his four-year programme on August 24 while continuing his football career with the university’s men’s soccer team, which competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Meanwhile, 17-year-old goalkeeper Motsopawill attend the prestigious African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he starts a two-year Leadership Programme on August 22.
Both scholars completed their secondary education at Lesotho High School before earning the coveted opportunities.
Speaking during the event, Kick4Life coach EpieMuketeMboh praised the pair for their dedication and commitment.
“Ntšenoand Motsopahave taken different journeys, but they share the same qualities—they are committed, eager to learn and always willing to grow,” said Mukete.
“As coaches, our role is to recognise potential, create opportunities and help young people see the bigger picture. These scholarships are a reward for the hard work they have put in over many years, and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We know they will continue to grow as leaders and represent both Kick4Life and Lesotho with distinction.”
He joined Kick4Life’s Soccer School Programme in 2016 at the age of nine, initially playing as a goalkeeper before the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily halted youth football activities. After returning to the game, he rejoined the club for the 2024/25 season from Hunters FC, this time reinventing himself as a defender.
His performances for Kick4Life Juventude quickly established him as one of the team’s standout players, earning him several call-ups to Lesotho’s Under-20 national team.
Away from the football pitch, Ntšenoalso embraced personal development opportunities, completing a traineeship with Kick4Life Social Enterprises as a Front-of-House Server, where he gained valuable workplace experience in the hospitality industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Ntšenocredited his coach for broadening his ambitions beyond professional football.
“Coach Mukete encouraged me to look at the bigger picture,” he said.
“He showed me that there were opportunities beyond professional football—opportunities that could transform my life both academically and athletically. Thanks to his guidance and belief in me, today I am preparing to study in the United States while continuing my football journey.”
For Motsopa, the scholarship represents the culmination of just two years of rapid growth.
He joined Kick4Life’s Under-15 Development Team in August 2024 before progressing to the Under-17 squad the following year.
His commitment extended beyond football. Earlier this year, he began volunteering as a Life Skills Coach within Kick4Life’s Community Programmes Department, where he quickly earned a reputation as a positive role model for younger children.
At the African Leadership Academy, Thabo will combine intensive academic and leadership studies with football, representing the academy in local Johannesburg competitions while continuing to develop his passion for community service through sport.
Addressing guests at the press conference, Motsopareflected on his personal transformation.
“Two years ago, I was a very different person. Today, I’m becoming the person I always hoped to be,” he said.
“Kick4Life did not just support me academically; it believed in me, invested in my personal development and gave me opportunities I never imagined possible. I’ll carry the Kick4Life flag with pride wherever I go and hope to make both Kick4Life and my family proud.”
The two scholarships underscore Kick4Life’s commitment to nurturing young people through an integrated approach that combines football, education and leadership development.
While Ntšeno’s journey began in the organisation’s Soccer School Programme as a nine-year-old, Motsoparose through the youth development ranks before giving back to the community as a Life Skills Coach.
Summary
- The scholarships were officially announced during a press conference held at Kick4Life headquarters on Wednesday, where family members, coaches, teachers and education stakeholders gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the two youngsters.
- Their departures mean that four Kick4Life graduates will have left Lesotho within the space of a month to pursue higher education overseas, highlighting the organisation’s growing success in using football as a pathway to education, leadership and personal development.
- Nineteen-year-old Ntšenohas secured a scholarship to Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee, United States, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, specialising in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
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.
