Mikia Kalati
KICK4LIFE players, Morapeli Lesoetsa (men’s team) and Senate Letsie (ladies) are relishing their departure for the United States of America where they will study and continue their football careers at Lewis and Clark Community College in the state of Illinois.
Kick4Life announced last week that they had secured fully- funded student athlete scholarships for the duo.
They follow in the footsteps of Lesia Thetsane and ‘Mako Makoanyane who moved to the US last year, also on scholarships.
Lesoetsa, a key player in Coach Leslie Notši’s side, this week told the Lesotho Times that he was over the moon and attributed the development to hard work.
“I have been working very hard to improve and I believe it also boils down to what you want as a player,” Letsoetsa said.
“I have always put my feet on the ground to see my dreams become a reality.
“Football is no longer just a game, it has become a career where one should be prepared for a lot of things,” the attacking midfielder said.
He said it was necessary for the modern footballer to plan properly, adding, the scholarship would enable him to prepare for life after football by giving him something to fall back on.
“I want to thank Kick4Life for this opportunity as well as my teammates and coaches.
“They all contributed to making me a better person and player,” he said.
For her part, Senate who also plays for the women’s national side, Mehalalitoe, said it was an honour to be chosen to represent her country and female footballers in the US.
“This is an opportunity I will cherish for the rest of my life and I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity to represent my country and all women in football,” Letsie said.
Kick4Life football director, Chris Bullock, said the scholarship came on the back of the success of Thetsane and Makoanyane went to the US in 2016.
“It is because of how well they have done that we have been able to establish more links with schools in the US.
“As a club, we are delighted for the players as our mission is to transform lives in Lesotho.
“I believe it will benefit football in the country to have players playing internationally which is something I am passionate about,” he added.
