Masianokeng academy moulds future stars

Refiloe Molise

Founded in the heart of Maseru, Masianokeng Sports Academy is using sport as a powerful tool to keep children off the streets and shape them into responsible future leaders.

Established on 21 March 2020, the academy now nurtures about 115 boys and girls between the ages of five and 20, offering them opportunities in soccer, boxing and beauty pageants while promoting academic excellence.

Tlokotsi Ndlovu, president of the Masianokeng sports academy, said the initiative was born out of deep concern for the welfare of young people in the community.

“The aim is to take children away from the streets, away from drugs and early teenage pregnancy. We wanted to create a safe space where they can focus on sports and education,” said Ndlovu.

He explained that each child pays a subscription fee of M50 to help sustain some of the academy’s activities. Despite this contribution, the organisation still faces financial constraints.

“One of the challenges we have is that we do not have sponsors and full equipment. Many of our children are vulnerable, so we try to minimise costs so that it does not affect them,” he said.

Beyond sports training, the academy also prioritises academic performance. Learners who excel in school and in sports are rewarded during annual awards ceremonies held between May and June, with this year’s ceremony scheduled for 30 May 2026.

“We give them awards for performing well in school and in sports so as to motivate them. We are looking forward to seeing these children performing well in their schoolwork and in sports,” Ndlovu added.

The academy has also extended its footprint beyond Lesotho’s borders through international sports exchanges. From 16 to 20 July 2026, the team will travel to Botswana to participate in a soccer tournament as part of an ongoing friendship with teams from that country.

One of the academy’s players, 17-year-old Malefetsane Ntlopo said that the institution has been life-changing. Having joined five years ago, he said the academy helped him avoid negative influences and focus on building a better future.

“I was inspired by the discipline and success of the athletes in my community. I wanted to stay focused and avoid negative influences,” Ntlopo said.

He participates in football, a sport he says allows him to express himself and work as part of a team. According to him, the academy ensures that education comes first.

“The academy encourages us to focus on our education first. We have scheduled training times that do not interfere with school and our coaches always remind us that education is important,” he explained.

Ntlopo said his school results have improved since joining the academy because he has learned discipline, time management and responsibility.

“Being part of the academy has taught me discipline and responsibility, which help me focus better on my studies,” he said.

He described the upcoming trip to Botswana as a major opportunity.

“Travelling to Botswana means a lot to me. It is a great chance to represent my academy and my country and compete at a higher level,” he said.

Ndlovu reflected that when he founded the academy, he had set a five-year goal which he believes has now been achieved. His new ambition is to see Masianokeng Sports Academy become one of the biggest academies in Lesotho.

As the academy continues to grow, he appealed to individuals and companies to support the initiative through sponsorships or equipment donations, stressing that investing in young people today will secure a better tomorrow for the nation.

Newsday

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