Within the space of a month, four young people from Kick4Life will leave Lesotho to begin life-changing educational journeys abroad. At a press conference held at Kick4Life on Wednesday 29th July, we proudly celebrated two more of those stories as Bafokeng Nts’eno and Thabo Motsopa prepare to begin their studies in the United States and South Africa respectively, marking another important milestone in our commitment to creating pathways to education, leadership and opportunity.
The event brought together family members, coaches, teachers, partners and representatives from Lesotho High School and the Examinations Council of Lesotho to celebrate the achievements of the two scholars and recognise the support that has helped them reach this milestone.
The scholarships recognise not only academic achievement, but also years of dedication, leadership and personal growth through Kick4Life’s integrated approach to youth development. Both Bafokeng and Thabo completed their secondary education at Lesotho High School before earning these prestigious opportunities, and their journeys demonstrate how football, education and character development can work together to unlock life-changing opportunities.
Speaking during the press conference, Coach Epie Mukete Mboh reflected on the journeys of both scholars: “Bafokeng and Thabo have taken different journeys, but they share the same qualities – they are committed, eager to learn and always willing to grow. As coaches, our role is to recognise potential, create opportunities and help young people see the bigger picture. These scholarships are a reward for the hard work they have put in over many years, and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We know they will continue to grow as leaders and represent both Kick4Life and Lesotho with distinction.”
Nineteen-year-old Bafokeng has been awarded a scholarship to study at Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee, United States, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He will begin the four-year degree programme on 24th August while continuing his football career with the university’s men’s soccer team, which competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Bafokeng’s journey with Kick4Life began in 2016 when, at the age of nine, he joined our Soccer School Programme. During his time in Soccer School, he also featured for our Under-15 Development Team as a goalkeeper before sporting activities were brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After returning to football, he rejoined Kick4Life at the beginning of the 2024/25 season after signing from Hunters FC. Having transitioned from goalkeeper to defender, he joined Kick4Life Juventude, where he flourished under the guidance of Coach Epie Mukete Mboh. Over the past two seasons, Bafokeng has consistently demonstrated excellence, leadership and resilience, establishing himself as an influential member of the squad while earning several call-ups to represent Lesotho at Under-20 level.
Beyond football, Bafokeng embraced opportunities for personal and professional development. In January 2026, he began a traineeship at Kick4Life Social Enterprises as a Front-of-House Server, gaining valuable experience in hospitality while developing workplace skills to support his future career.
At Freed-Hardeman University, Bafokeng will combine his academic studies with competitive football, further exploring the connection between athlete performance, wellbeing and mental preparation while continuing to develop as a player. Reflecting on the guidance that shaped his journey, Bafokeng told guests at the press conference: “Coach Mukete encouraged me to look at the bigger picture. He showed me that there were opportunities beyond professional football – opportunities that could transform my life both academically and athletically. Thanks to his guidance and belief in me, today I am preparing to study in the United States while continuing my football journey.”
Seventeen-year-old Thabo has been awarded a scholarship to attend the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa, where he will begin the Academy’s two-year Leadership Programme on 22nd August. Thabo joined our Under-15 Development Team in August 2024 at the age of 15 before earning promotion to the Under-17 squad in January 2025, where he has continued to develop as a goalkeeper. Alongside his football development, Thabo has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others. In January 2026, he began volunteering with our Community Programmes Department as a Life Skills Coach, quickly establishing himself as a positive role model for younger children. His leadership, maturity and dedication have been key factors in earning this prestigious scholarship.
At ALA, Thabo will enter an environment where his passion for football and community service can continue to grow together. While the Academy’s primary focus is intensive academic and leadership development, sport remains an important part of campus life. He will have the opportunity to represent ALA as a goalkeeper in local Johannesburg fixtures while also participating in the school’s Inter-House tournaments, which play an important role in building community and school spirit. Through ALA’s Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum, Thabo will further develop the skills and knowledge needed to build on his experience as a Kick4Life Life Skills Coach and pursue his passion for using sport as a tool for positive change across Africa.
Reflecting on his personal growth through Kick4Life, Thabo told those gathered at the press conference: “Two years ago, I was a very different person. Today, I’m becoming the person I always hoped to be. Kick4Life didn’t just support me academically; it believed in me, invested in my personal development and gave me opportunities I never imagined possible. I’ll carry the Kick4Life flag with pride wherever I go and hope to make both Kick4Life and my family proud.”
These scholarships are more than individual achievements; they reflect what is possible when young people are supported to develop academically, athletically and personally. Bafokeng’s journey began in our Soccer School Programme at the age of nine, while Thabo progressed through our development pathway before giving back as a Life Skills Coach in our Community Programmes. Although their journeys have been different, both demonstrate the long-term impact of investing in young people’s potential.
As Bafokeng and Thabo prepare to embark on this exciting new chapter, they do so with the encouragement of their families, coaches, teachers and the wider Kick4Life community. Their achievements are a testament to years of hard work, perseverance and collaboration, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make as they continue to learn, lead and inspire others both on and off the pitch.
