Kick4Life’s Scholar-Football Academy (SFA) combines academic support with high level football coaching and character development, providing participants with essential transferable skills which enable them to succeed in all areas of life. One example is Nkhahle Liahelo, who is on a journey of turning his dreams into reality through the program’s comprehensive support
Nkhahle joined the Academy at the age of 14 in 2018, with a passion to develop his skills and potential both on and off the pitch. The discipline and focus that he displayed and develop paid off, e became one of the best performers at Thetsane High School in 2021, being in the top 6 LGCSE students country-wide. With strong time management skills and dedication to training, he was also able to improve his performances on the field.
After completing his high school studies, Nkhahle spent most of his time at Kick4Life doing community service as a volunteer tutor for the Academy, where he assisted young participants with Mathematics and Accounting. He also took part in Kick4Life’s community development work where he was trained as a life skills coach. This included supporting the 2024 Kick4Life All-Stars Tour when he delivered a session at Rasetimela High School alongside the international tour guests.
This year through the assistance of Kick4Life, he gained admission to the National University of Lesotho to study for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and to ensure that he could pursue his football career while studying, Kick4Life made a strategic decision to loan him to Manonyane FC, a Premier League team based in the Roma area close to the university. This arrangement allows him to compete at an elite level while remaining committed to his academic goals. As he continues his studies and athletic career, he remains grateful for the support from Kick4Life and the opportunities afforded to him through the SFA program.
“Kick4Life enhanced my football ability because we were coached by professional coaches. It also improved my academic performance, as evidenced by my reports before and after joining Kick4Life. Lastly, but more importantly, it made me a better person who always seeks to learn and improve on a daily basis. This was done through character development classes,” says Nkhahle.
