Paseka Maile, a rising star for the national football team, Likuena, and Kick4Life Academy, is set to further his career in the United States after earning a prestigious scholarship to study and play football at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.
The announcement was made earlier this week during a packed press conference held at Kick4Life headquarters. Maile becomes the 17th student-athlete from the academy to secure an international scholarship.
A standout player in the country’s second tier football platform, the A Division League and a regular in both the U-20 and senior national teams, Maile will begin a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management this August.
He will also represent Lindsey Wilson College in the NAIA soccer league, joining former Kick4Life teammates Seabata Tšemane and Thabo Mahlaha, who are currently studying at Freed-Hardeman University.
“I am very happy and thankful to Kick4Life for making this dream a reality,” an emotional Maile said during the press conference, flanked by proud family members, Kick4Life officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training.
Maile’s former accounting teacher at Itekeng High School, Martin Nyai, highlighted his leadership qualities during his school days.
“Paseka always led by example. We are not surprised he has achieved this milestone. He has made us proud,” Nyai said.
Ntaeboso Phenduka from the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL) commended Kick4Life’s holistic development model and credited head coach Mukete Mboh for his mentorship.
“Coach Mboh deserves credit for nurturing Paseka’s talent, both academically and athletically.”
Paseka’s father, Teboho Maile, reflected on the challenges they faced along the way.
“It was not easy. South African clubs showed interest, but their offers lacked educational opportunities. We insisted on school first. Now, he has the best of both worlds,” he said.
Likuena’s head coach Leslie Notši also praised the youngster’s character and commitment. Maile received a national team call-up to the Likuena squad, currently involved in the 2025 COSAFA Cup tournament in South Africa.
“He is a model athlete. We’re confident he will excel and represent Lesotho with pride,” he said.
‘Mamphaka Ralehlathe, Director of Kick4Life Social Enterprises, urged Maile to carry the names of Lesotho and Kick4Life with “pride and excellence,” while Country Director ‘Motlatsi Nkhahle advised him: “Respect football, respect education, be teachable and be coachable. These values will carry you far.”
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.
![FB_IMG_1611231403826[1]](https://newsdayonline.co.ls/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/FB_IMG_16112314038261.jpg "Thetsane & Makoanyane graduate from Columbia")
