Mikia Kalati
VODACOM Premier League side, Kick4Life, will for the second successive year send two of their players for football and academic scholarships in the United States of America.
Last Friday, the club announced that male star Morapeli Lesoetsa and his ladies counterpart, Senate Letsie, will fly out this week to start their scholarships at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois in the US.
They follow in the footsteps of Lesia Thetsane and ‘Mako Makoanyane who went to the US last year.
There is no doubt that this is a massive investment not only just for the individual athletes but the nation as well.
Football in this country is yet to become professional and this means that players get little by way of remuneration for their blood and sweat on the field of play while entertaining fans.
But in the midst of the generally unrewarding conditions, there is a ray of light in the form of Kick4Life which is dedicated to the positive transformation of the lives of Basotho.
This is an example that must emulated by other sports organisations in the country.
It is a shame that some of the sports administrators are only too happy to pocket allowances traveling the world but then do nothing to empower youngsters even by securing scholarships.
Kick4Life is therefore an inspiration and they are showing that they want to do more than just be a force to be reckoned with on the field of play.
They are using every connection to empower local youths.
I also want to applaud the Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FRL) who will host two big international rugby tournaments in September and October.
One of them is a Sevens tournament that will feature giants, South Africa and Kenya.
They appear determined to take local rugby to greater heights and to have the Springboks Sevens as well as Kenya will be a massive boost that could change the sport in Lesotho.
Rugby has only been played in this country for less than five years and therefore the association’s efforts to host a tournament featuring the best in the business really speaks volumes about their commitment to improving the sport.
It is also impressive that they have already secured big sponsors in the mould of Kwese TV who will broadcast the tournament to promote the capabilities of Basotho as well as the beauty of the country.
I also cannot go without wishing our three athletes the best namely, Mosito Lehata, Tšepo Ramonene and Lebenya Nkoka ahead of their participation at the World Championships that get underway in London tomorrow.
The competition will be graced by some of the best in the world and it is a big platform for them to prove that they are good enough to share the stage with the likes of Jamaican sprint king, Usain Bolt.
