…gives back to where it all began
Leemisa Thuseho
LESOTHO’S most decorated female footballer, Boitumelo Rabale, is giving back to the community that launched her illustrious career through her newly established Boitumelo Rabale Foundation.
In partnership with the Lady M Foundation, Rabale donated a new set of playing kit to Emmanuel Queens, the Qoaling-based club where she took her first steps in football.
The handover ceremony was held at Fafatsa Café in Ha Seoli, Maseru.
Boitumelo Rabale Foundation co-founder, Chris Bullock, said the initiative reflected Rabale’s commitment to creating opportunities for young girls through football.
“The idea behind the foundation is for Boitumelo to give back to young girls in Lesotho, empower them and create opportunities for them,” Bullock said.
“We are looking forward to rolling out a number of initiatives both on and off the field because we want to inspire and support young girls, not only in football but in life as well.”
Lady M Foundation founder, ‘Mamotake Matekane, said Rabale’s rise from the dusty fields of Qoaling to becoming Lesotho’s most accomplished female footballer should inspire young girls to dream big.
“Many successful people forget where they come from, but that is not the case with Boitumelo Rabale.
“Through this foundation and other initiatives, we want to give young girls a platform to develop their talents, gain exposure and unlock opportunities that can change their lives,” Matekane said.
The jersey donation marks the beginning of a weekend of fundraising activities organised by the foundation. A charity football tournament will be held at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena from Friday to Saturday, bringing together local women’s clubs, celebrities, government ministers, members of the royal family, business leaders and football legends.
The activities will culminate in a fundraising gala dinner at Mpilo Boutique Hotel on Saturday evening.
Emmanuel Queens co-coach, Tello Mpomela, who coached Rabale during her formative years, welcomed the donation, saying it would provide a timely morale boost as the club prepares for its maiden Women’s Super League campaign after securing promotion through the 2025/26 playoffs.
Rabale remains the most decorated female footballer Lesotho has produced.
She has represented the country with distinction both at home and abroad. Before launching her professional career in South Africa, she also played for Lewis and Clark Community College in the United States.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in 2021, Rabale has won five consecutive league titles and lifted the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy twice. She became the first Mosotho footballer to win Africa’s premier women’s club competition and, in 2023, was named CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament, adding another milestone to an already remarkable career.
