Princess adds royal touch to Kick4Life

In a heartwarming display of service above self, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Maseeiso Mohato Seeiso spent her winter university break not in rest and leisure, but volunteering as a sports psychology trainee at Kick4Life.

From June 2 to July 29, the Princess brought more than a royal presence to the sport-for-development organisation.

She offered empathy, purpose, and a deep curiosity about the human experience, applying her academic studies to real-life challenges faced by young athletes.

Currently pursuing a degree in Sports Psychology at the University of Stirling in Scotland, her placement at Kick4Life marked her first hands-on experience in the field. What began as a university requirement soon blossomed into something far more impactful.

Through group workshops and one-on-one sessions, Princess ‘Maseeiso emerged as a thoughtful listener and committed guide, opening up conversations around confidence, mental resilience, and emotional well-being.

“She brought compassion, curiosity, and commitment to every session,” the organisation said in a statement. Kick4Life further indicated that her presence was more than just symbolic, but transformative.

The Princess chose Kick4Life not only because of her family’s longstanding support for the organisation, but also due to its alignment with her academic interests. While she once considered careers in sports management, her true passion emerged in the psychological side of performance, and it showed.

Staff and players described her approach as refreshingly human. Rather than begin with formal assessments, she took time to understand each player’s life beyond football. These open conversations often uncovered shared struggles with confidence, identity, and pressure.

“She really took time to understand us as people, not just athletes,” said Reitumetse Namane, a player from Kick4Life’s women’s team.

“Meeting and learning from Her Royal Highness was an honour I never dreamed of. Her sessions truly shifted my mindset, especially on the importance of mental health and approaching each game with purpose. She encouraged us to lead by example, both on and off the field.”

Through these interactions, Princess ‘Maseeiso worked to equip players with tools for building resilience, self-belief, and focus, skills essential both on the pitch and in life. For her, the placement proved equally transformative.

“It was my first time doing one-on-one sessions,” she shared with Kick4Life staff.

“I discovered not only what sports psychology looks like in practice, but how deeply meaningful and necessary it is. I have gained confidence in connecting with people, something I did not feel strong in before.”

She left a lasting impression with her key message: mental fitness is just as important as physical training, especially in high-pressure environments. Her advice to seek support early, manage expectations, and maintain joy in the game resonated strongly with young players.

As her placement concluded, Princess ‘Maseeiso expressed a sincere desire to return after completing her studies, to continue supporting youth development and help grow sports psychology in Lesotho, a field still in its infancy in the region. For Kick4Life, her involvement was more than symbolic.

“She did not merely observe. She participated, contributed, and connected. Her impact will be felt for a long time to come,” said a staff member.

In an era where mental health is finally taking its rightful place in the world of sport, Princess ‘Maseeiso’s contribution stands as a powerful blend of royal duty and progressive leadership, a beacon of hope for the next generation of Basotho athletes.

Staff Reporter

Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.