There were smiles, applause and emotional tributes at the Kick4Life Centre on Thursday this week as family members, educators, partners and supporters gathered to celebrate two young footballers whose talent and determination have earned them life-changing opportunities abroad.
Kick4Life officially announced international scholarships for Scholar-Football Academy (SFA) standouts Mariam Monnapula and ThusoKhoarane during a press conference held on July 9, marking another milestone for the organisation’s mission of using football as a pathway to education and leadership.
The event highlighted the impact of the Scholar-Football Academy, which combines football development with academic excellence, leadership training and community service to create opportunities for young people in Lesotho.
Sixteen-year-old Mariam Monnapula has secured a scholarship to attend the prestigious African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she will enrol in the academy’s two-year Leadership Programme beginning on August 22.
The residential pre-university programme is designed to prepare Africa’s future leaders through rigorous academics, entrepreneurship, leadership development and African studies while opening pathways to leading universities around the world.
A player for the Kick4Life Junior Girls team, Mariam has also distinguished herself away from the football field as a volunteer life skills coach and tutor in Mathematics and Chemistry.
Since joining Kick4Life through its Soccer Schools programme in 2022, she has steadily developed into one of the academy’s brightest prospects, representing Lesotho at regional leadership forums while balancing sporting excellence with academic achievement.
Reflecting on her journey, Mariam credited Kick4Life for transforming her confidence and outlook on life.
“Through Kick4Life, I have grown. I have learned to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. The Mariam of 2022 would never have stood in front of you to give a speech like this,” she said.
“Through Kick4Life, I have achieved so many things, and it has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, both academically and in my personal development. As I head to the African Leadership Academy, I am going to be a leader for Africa. I hold this torch only for a moment, and I will make sure it burns as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
The celebrations also recognised 20-year-old ThusoKhoarane, who has earned a four-year scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Information Technology Sciences degree, majoring in Cybersecurity, at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, USA.
Alongside his studies, Khoarane will also represent the university’s football programme when he begins his new chapter on August 1.
Khoarane’s journey through Kick4Life reflects the academy’s long-term player development model. After joining the organisation in 2018, he progressed from the Soccer School to captaining Kick4Life Juventude to the Lesotho A-Division League title.
Off the pitch, he completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, gained workplace experience as an IT Administration Assistant trainee through the Fit4Work and Play programme and volunteered as a life skills coach.
In an emotional address, Khoarane dedicated the achievement to everyone who had contributed to his development.
“Today is not really about Mariam and me. It is about everyone who has had a hand in building the people we are today,” he said.
“I would like to thank the entire Kick4Life family because you have changed my life in ways I cannot fully describe. Had I not come to Kick4Life, I believe my life would have been completely different. If I have seen more than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants. Today, the giant I am talking about is Kick4Life, because had it not been for this organisation, I would not be standing here today.”
Kick4Life Academics Coordinator LikhaphaKhemi described the scholarships as a reflection of the students’ commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service to their communities.
“At Kick4Life, we are committed to ensuring that our participants are not only supported academically and athletically, but are also equipped with the skills, knowledge and values needed to navigate real-life challenges,” Khemi said.
“We are incredibly proud of both of you and believe you will inspire other young people in Lesotho to see that through dedication, determination and hard work, everything is possible. As you embark on this journey, remember that you are representing your families, Kick4Life and Lesotho. Go out there and make us proud.”
Kick4Life said the scholarships demonstrate the success of its Scholar-Football Academy, which has, since 2016, created international education pathways for talented student-athletes by integrating football, education and character development.
Summary
- “Through Kick4Life, I have achieved so many things, and it has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today, both academically and in my personal development.
- The celebrations also recognised 20-year-old ThusoKhoarane, who has earned a four-year scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Information Technology Sciences degree, majoring in Cybersecurity, at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, USA.
- Off the pitch, he completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, gained workplace experience as an IT Administration Assistant trainee through the Fit4Work and Play programme and volunteered as a life skills coach.
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.
