By: Lebohang Maluke
Maseru – Kick4life Football Club reveals the identities of two athletes selected for a special training opportunity in the United States.
The two players, chosen from a pool of talented contenders, will travel to the U.S. in two weeks’ time to hone their skills and gain valuable experience at one of the world’s most renowned football and academies.
Kick4life Football Club Academy Director Mrs. Maleshoane Mokhathi states that players are selected for the opportunity based on their exceptional talent on the field and their dedication to academics.
Their outstanding performance in both areas made them stand out from the rest, earning them this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Kick4life Football Club on the global stage.
One of the two athletes chosen for the U.S. training opportunity is Bataung Molefi. In addition to receiving professional football training during his stay in the United States, Molefi will also be studying for an Associate degree in Business, with a two-year program designed to accommodate his athletic commitments. This unique opportunity will allow him to pursue his academic and athletic aspirations simultaneously.
The second athlete is Tsielo Mokebe. During her four-year stay, Mokebe will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Freed-Hardeman University. This opportunity will not only allow her to develop her skills as a footballer, but also to gain a valuable education in a field that has numerous career opportunities.
She also states that Thabo Mahlaha (2022) and Seabata Ts’emane (2023) went to Freed- Hardeman University where Ms. Tsielo will be studying.
These athletes are exceptional in both academics and athletics, which also implies that Kick4life Football Club places high value on a well-rounded education. By selecting these two players for the training opportunity, the club is demonstrating their commitment to fostering both academic and athletic excellence in their athletes.
According to Ms. Khemi Likhapha, Academic Coordinator of Kick4life Football Club, the selection of the two athletes was based on a comprehensive evaluation process that took into account three crucial factors: ‘academics, football talent, and character’.
This introduces Ms. Likhapha’s perspective and highlights the club’s rigorous selection criteria.
Academics, the first and perhaps most obvious factor is the athlete’s academic performance. Kick4life Football Club values a strong balance between academics and sports, recognizing that education is just as important as talent on the field.
Football talent, the second factor is the athlete’s football skills and performance. The club is continuously looking for talented players who have shown potential to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
To ensure that the athletes maintain their academic performance, Kick4life Football Club provides free tutoring to help with their studies. This support demonstrates the club’s belief that education is a crucial part of an athlete’s development, both on and off the field.
Parents of the selected athletes are thrilled about the opportunity provided by Kick4life Football Club. Mrs. Matsielo Mokebe, mother of Tsielo Mokebe, expressed her gratitude to the club, “I am so thankful to Kick4life for giving my daughter this precious opportunity. I believe it will change her life for the better and open up doors for her in both academia and athletics.”
Kick4life Football Club’s commitment to their athletes’ education has resulted in an impressive achievement: over the years, 13 of their athletes have gone on to study in various countries, thanks to the club’s efforts. This success speaks to the dedication and effectiveness of the club’s tutoring programs.
This emphasizes the club’s efforts to create a supportive and enriching environment for their athletes, prioritizing academic success alongside athletic achievements.
When asked about the club’s ability to provide tutoring to their athletes despite their lack of sponsorship, Ms Likhapha emphasized that Kick4life Football Club is committed to the success of its athletes, both on and off the field. ‘We believe that investing in our athletes’ education is an investment in their future,
Although the club does not have conventional sponsors, they do have a primary co-sponsor in the form of a social enterprise. This organization is dedicated to investing in the club’s mission and has played a significant role in helping Kick4life Football Club to provide academic support to its athletes.
This is a unique approach to sponsorship that highlights the importance of social responsibility. By partnering with schools like Thetsane High School, Kick4life Football Club is able to align itself with an organization that shares its values and goals, allowing them to make a real impact in the lives of their athletes.
The involvement of this social enterprise also illustrates the growing trend of companies seeking to use their resources and influence for positive change. As more companies and organizations realize the importance of corporate social responsibility.
Ms Likhapha praised the partnership with the social enterprise, stating that their shared values and commitment to youth development have allowed the club to accomplish its goals and create meaningful change for young athletes in the community.
The club’s philosophy is centered on supporting their athletes in all aspects of their lives. Whether an athlete excels in academics or on the football pitch, the club provides guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them achieve their goals. This comprehensive support is what sets Kick4life Football Club apart and help youth to create a lasting impact on the lives of their athletes. Its mission is to empower youth through sports and education.