Chris Theko
Former Kick4Life and now United States of America (USA)-based forward ‘Mako Makoanyane has secured a move to a United Soccer League (USL) two side Little Rock Rangers.
The 24-year-old completed his BA in Biology at Colombia College in 2020, after rising from the ranks of the development side at Kick4Life.
He started his athletic scholarship in the USA in 2016 at State Fair Community College where he spent two years of academic football career before joining Columbia College in 2018.
The former Lesotho under-20-player was also recently called-up to the senior national team squad that is currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers but was unfortunately unable to travel to honour the first call-up.
He expressed his delight at the new deal and said he was humbled to have signed with a team of Rangers’ status.
“I am really humbled to have signed with Little Rock Rangers, such a great team. I have been working hard to get this chance and now that it has finally come, I need to stay focused and continue working hard,†Makoanyane said.
In 2018 he made 20 starts for Colombia College as a junior. He finished the season with three goals and five assists for 11 total points. He was also named NAIA All-American Honourable Mention.
In 2019 he started in all 24 games of the season for Colombia as a senior while recording three goals and four assists for a total of 10 points. He was named AMC Player of the week and still scooped the NAIA All-American Honourable Mention.
In general, Makoanyane has had two great seasons in America performing excellently during his college years, making it to the First Team All-Conference consecutively between 2018 and 2019.
He expressed his gratitude to Kick4Life for supporting him through his journey and promised to keep on being a good ambassador.
For his part, Director of Kick4Life Scholar Academy, Maleshoane Mokhathi congratulated Makoanyane for his achievement and said he continues to be a good ambassador of the academy.
“‘Mako has always been an over-achiever in whatever he does, who focuses on his goal until he achieves it,†Mokhathi said.
Adding that “It is no surprise that he is now a professional player. The academy is proud of him and we wish him all the best.â€