Kick4Life Academy participant and player, Paseka Maile (pictured left below), has secured a scholarship to study and play football at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky in the United States of America, it was announced today.
Maile becomes the 17th student-athlete from Kick4Life’s scholar-athlere Academy initiative to secure an international scholarship, and he is set to depart in August this year to commence a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Alongside his academic pursuits, Maile will compete in soccer at the NAIA level, continuing his development both on and off the pitch. Notably, he will join the same competitive league as current Kick4Life student-athletes Seabata Ts’emane and Thabo Mahlaha, currently studying at Freed-Hardeman University.
The scholarship recognises Maile’s exceptional contribution to Kick4Life, where he has become a key player in the A Division, earning numerous accolades and call-ups to Lesotho’s U20 and senior national squads.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kick4Life, Maile said: “I am very happy and thankful to Kick4Life for making this dream a reality.”
The event was well attended, with proud family members, the Kick4Life Executive Committee, former high school teachers, and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training all present. Mr Martin Nyai, Maile’s former accounting teacher at Itekeng High School, commended his leadership qualities, recalling his time as head boy and school team captain. He encouraged Maile to raise the Lesotho flag high as he embarks on this journey.
Mr Ntaeboso Phenduka of the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL) also offered his congratulations, extending special thanks to Kick4Life Head Coach Mukete Mboh for his pivotal role in guiding Maile’s development.
Mr Teboho Maile, Paseka’s father, reflected on the family’s journey, highlighting the difficulty of keeping his son academically focused despite multiple offers from South African clubs that lacked educational prospects, sating: “It was challenging, but I always encouraged him to prioritise school. I’m proud that he has now secured an opportunity that combines both his academic and sporting aspirations.”
Lesotho national team coach, Mr Leslie Nots’i, congratulated Maile and expressed his appreciation to the family and Kick4Life for instilling discipline and dedication in the young talent.
Mrs Mamphaka Ralehlathe, Director of Kick4Life Social Enterprises, urged Maile to represent both Kick4Life and Lesotho with pride and excellence, encouraging him to carry their names with honour on the international stage.
Kick4Life Country Director, Mr Motlatsi Nkhahle, offered the following advice. “Respect football, respect education, be teachable and be coachable. These values will carry you far,” he said.
In closing, the Chairman of the Kick4Life Executive Committee thanked Maile’s parents, teachers, and all those who have supported the organisation’s mission. Addressing Maile directly, he said: “Continue to behave well, work hard — this is only the beginning. Go out there and break records.”
