Kick4Life’s Senior Women’s Football Club (FC) captain, Lisebo Lesaoana, has defied the odds to become a standout figure not only in football but also in her community, proving that resilience and determination can break barriers.
Born and raised in Nazareth, in the east of Maseru, Lesaoana, fondly known as Mosebuza, has consistently demonstrated her strength of character and determination.
Her story is one of perseverance and growth, rising from humble beginnings to hold multiple roles that have significantly impacted women’s football and beyond.
Mosebuza is known for her compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking nature, both on and off the field. Beyond being a footballer, she is also Kick4Life’s Life Skills Coach, Soccer Schools Coach, Junior Women’s Head Coach, and a Carpenter in training. Her impressive versatility sets her apart as a role model for young women in Lesotho and beyond.
Lesaoana’s football journey, however, hasn’t been an easy one. She began her career playing for local teams like Nazareth Community FC and Manchester Ladies FC, but her time on the pitch was limited.
Undeterred, she set her sights on the Nazareth High School FC, only to see the team dissolve shortly after she joined due to a lack of support. Despite this setback, her coach referred her to Kick4Life in 2015, a pivotal moment that would change her life.
Joining Kick4Life Senior Women’s FC as they entered the Lesotho Women’s Super League (WSL), Lesaoana found a second home where her talents could truly shine. It did not take long for her to make a mark; her exceptional defensive abilities earned her the Most Improved Player (MIP) award at the end of the 2015/16 season.
From there, she continued to thrive, playing a key role in her team’s successes, including clinching the WSL Cup in 2018/19 and the coveted national championship in 2021/22.
In the 2022/23 season, Lesaoana’s leadership qualities were recognized when she was appointed team captain. Her leadership was further acknowledged with the prestigious ‘Player of the Season’ award, and her talents were rewarded on the national stage with a call-up to the senior national team in both 2021 and 2022.
However, Lesaoana’s journey didn’t stop there. Her leadership and passion for empowering others led her to become one of the first coaches of Kick4Life’s Girls United Programme, launched in July 2018. In this role, she was trained as a life skills coach, facilitating football-based interventions aimed at empowering young girls and women in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, conflict management, and gender rights.
Reflecting on her role as a life skills coach, Lesaoana said, “Being a Life skills coach gives me so much joy and pride because even years after an intervention, former participants sometimes approach me and thank me for having impacted positively on their lives.”
She also highlighted one of her most memorable experiences working with visually impaired participants, where she was pushed beyond her limits to create an inclusive and enriching learning environment.
Her passion for coaching young girls led her to volunteer as an assistant coach for the Kick4Life Junior Women’s FC in 2022, a team that acts as a feeder to the senior squad. In January 2024, her hard work and dedication earned her a spot as an assistant coach in the Kick4Life Soccer School Programme, aimed at developing young children with a focus on academics, athletics, and character enrichment.
Lesaoana’s commitment to coaching and nurturing the next generation of football stars has made her an invaluable asset to Kick4Life. Her dedication has also seen her enroll in the CAF C Licence coaching course, supported by the Equal Play Effect Africa Project (EPEA), an opportunity she cherishes.
“Being part of the CAF C licensing course was a golden opportunity, and I am grateful to Kick4Life, the EPEA movement, and the Lesotho Football Association for making it happen,” she added.
Her journey in football and coaching continues to soar, with her latest achievement being her appointment as the Head Coach of Kick4Life’s Junior Women’s team in January 2025. At the same time, Lesaoana remains a key player and captain for the Senior Women’s team, who are currently leading the Women’s Super League table, eyeing another national title and potential qualification for the African Champions League.
Despite her many roles, Lesaoana has not slowed down. She continues to study Carpentry and Joinery at the Lesotho Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (LOIC), aiming to graduate in November 2025, with plans to pursue a career in this field.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports.
Started working at Newsday in 2021.
has an Associate Degree in Journalism and Media.
