Taekwondo champion-turned-coach Marumo Moloisane has taken a major leap in his coaching career after being selected for the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP).
The selection marks another milestone in his journey from elite athlete to internationally recognised coach.
The 10-month programme, which kicks off this month and runs until April 2026, is organised by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee in collaboration with the University of Delaware.
It is endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and funded through Olympic Solidarity.
Moloisane will undergo a comprehensive multi-phase training experience comprising online modules, in-person residencies in the United States and Switzerland, and an intensive apprenticeship designed to enhance advanced coaching skills.
Currently coaching at the New Millennium Taekwondo Club, Moloisane transitioned into coaching following his retirement from international competition in 2023. His post-competition career has been driven by dedication, discipline, and a deep passion for the sport.
In 2020, he received an IOC Olympic Solidarity Athlete Preparation Scholarship, which allowed him to train at the Taekwondo Competence Centre (TCC) in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
During his time there, he not only refined his athletic ability but also laid the foundation for his coaching journey by completing the World Taekwondo Level I Coaching Course.
The Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) has praised Moloisane’s selection as a proud moment for Lesotho, highlighting the impact it could have on the sport’s development in the country.
“This is not a personal achievement but a significant milestone for the growth of taekwondo in Lesotho,” the LNOC said in a statement.
“His ongoing dedication to developing and uplifting the sport has inspired many, and we believe this opportunity will further enhance his impact as a coach.”
The LNOC further emphasised its continued commitment to helping athletes transition successfully into life beyond competition, aligning with the Olympic Movement’s wider goals.
In an interview with Newsday Sports, Moloisane expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and outlined his vision for how it will benefit taekwondo in Lesotho.
“This is a very big achievement for me and the entire taekwondo family,” he said.
“After completing the programme, I am committed to sharing the knowledge and skills with other local coaches for the benefit of the entire sport code.”
Moloisane added that coaching at the highest level has always been his dream, and he feels proud of the direction his career is taking.
His inclusion in ICECP not only recognises his individual achievements, but also elevates the profile of taekwondo in Lesotho.
It marks a new chapter in the country’s sporting history, one that could pave the way for more coaches to pursue excellence on the international stage.
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.
