By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
Lesotho women’s beach volleyball players demonstrated strength, perseverance, and unyielding talent at the 23–25 May 2025 CAV Zone 6 Beach Volleyball Championship in Mozambique.
Clutching silver and bronze medals and with their nation’s flag waving high, these players have written a new chapter of sporting.
The regional title, which brought together southern Africa’s best beach volleyball teams, was a celebration of Lesotho’s rising potential in the sport. Lesotho fielded two women’s teams at the title: Moleboheng, Phamotse, Chapole and Tolofi. In a heroic effort that has earned respect across the region, both teams reached the semi-finals — a first for Lesotho in CAV Zone 6 competition history.
Although both teams lost to Mozambique’s best pairs in their respective semi-final matches (both losing 2–0), they played with fantastic skill and determination throughout the tournament.
In that bruising battle for third, Chapole and Tolofi took teammates Moleboheng and Phamotse in straight sets. They won the bronze medal and a cash prize of US$50 (about M800, plus a sponsorship deal that will cover their transport and lodging for the duration of the remainder of the Zone 6 tour. The sponsorship will help the players by allowing them to stay on the regional circuit.
The experience was also very emotional for Chapole, who is an administrative functionary in the Lesotho Volleyball Association (LVA) as part of its Marketing Commission. Holding back tears of joy, she remembered the pride and resolve that led to this moment of victory.
Whereas Mozambique, at home sand, proceeded to sweep the gold and silver medals, Lesotho’s double semi-final showing and intra-national battle for bronze have issued a defiant cry to the region: Lesotho is no longer a guest — it is a contender.
These wins are not just scoreboard victories but are representative of greater momentum for women’s sport in Lesotho. Despite limited resources and a traditional patriarchal sporting culture, these women have shown that commitment and determination can overcome adversity. Their championship win is a beacon of hope for the potential that arises when talent meets opportunity.
This achievement is a milestone — showing that through determination, belief, and encouragement from their communities, even the world’s smallest nations can hold their heads up high on the international stage. Lesotho’s silver success and bronze joy are not merely titles but a testament to what women in sport can achieve, and an inspiration to the next generation of athletes willing to chase their aspirations in the sand