Kick4Life is proud to celebrate a major milestone achieved by Kick4Life Academy student-athlete, Senate Letsie, who graduated from Cape Breton University (CBU) in Canada on 28 May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Minor in Anthro-Sociology.
Senate’s graduation marks the latest chapter in a remarkable journey that has combined excellence in education, football, leadership and community service. Raised in Moshoeshoe II, on the northern edge of Maseru, Senate’s connection with Kick4Life stretches back to her childhood and has played a significant role in shaping her personal and professional development.
Although she officially joined Kick4Life in 2009, Senate first became aware of the organisation while she was still in primary school, when Kick4Life partnered with the Lesotho men’s national team, Likuena, to raise awareness in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “My journey with Kick4Life began long before I officially joined the organisation,” Senate recalls. “I first knew about Kick4Life when I was in primary school, and I admired the work they were doing in communities. “Shortly after joining, she represented Kick4Life at events linked to the Confederations Cup in Cape Town ahead of the FIFA World Cup. She was one of only four young women selected to represent the organisation at a tournament that brought together youth-focused non-profit organisations from different countries.
Her commitment to community development continued beyond the football field. In 2012, Senate volunteered as a Life Skills Coach, delivering sessions to young people after completing Kick4Life’s life-skills training programme. Later, while pursuing a Diploma in Pastoral Care and Counselling at the National University of Lesotho, she completed an internship with the organisation in 2016, further deepening her passion for youth empowerment and community service.
Senate’s international journey began in 2017 when she earned a scholarship to attend Lewis and Clark Community College in Illinois, becoming the first female player to secure a student-athlete scholarship through Kick4Life. The achievement was a landmark moment, opening doors for future generations of young women to access educational opportunities through football. During her time in the United States, she excelled both academically and athletically. She enjoyed two successful seasons competing at the national junior college level, helping her team win consecutive conference championships and qualify for national tournaments in both years. Her debut season was particularly impressive, earning her selection to the All-Region Team of the Year. Alongside her football success, she completed an Associate Degree in Arts before returning to Lesotho in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Back home, Senate rejoined the Kick4Life family and played a key role for Kick4Life Women during a successful period for the club, helping the team win the Dare to Dream Tournament in 2021. She also continued giving back to her community as a peer educator and Life Skills Coach, delivering HIV/AIDS awareness and life-skills sessions that empowered young people to make informed decisions and pursue their goals.
The next chapter of her journey began in January 2022 when she moved to Nova Scotia, Canada, on a full scholarship to study and play for the Cape Breton University Capers. Balancing the demands of university studies and collegiate football, Senate continued to excel. During her first season in Canada, she helped her team enjoy a highly successful campaign and earned selection to the league’s Second All-Star Team, one of the standout achievements of her university football career. Reflecting on her time in Canada, Senate said: “Being selected to the Second All-Star Team during my first season was a proud moment for me. It showed me that hard work and perseverance can open doors, even when you’re adapting to a completely new environment.”
Like many student-athletes, Senate also faced challenges along the way. An injury ahead of the 2023/24 season limited her involvement on the field and ultimately led her to focus fully on completing her studies. Despite the setback, she remained committed to her academic goals and completed her degree this year. At the international level, Senate has represented Lesotho’s senior women’s national team, further cementing her status as an ambassador for women’s football. Beyond sport, she has spoken at conferences and events in the United States, sharing her experiences and highlighting the transformative power of education, football and youth development.
Looking ahead, Senate is preparing for another important transition.
“I am currently in the process of moving from a student visa to a work visa as I begin my journey into the corporate world,” she said. “I am excited about the opportunity to apply everything I have learned through my education, my experiences with Kick4Life and my academic journey in a professional setting. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in my career, and I look forward to finding a meaningful role in Canada where I can put my skills and knowledge into practice while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”
Reflecting on her overall journey, Senate added: “I have learned never to give up, no matter how challenging the obstacles I come across in life are. I’m proud of how far I have come, and I’m grateful for my life and the opportunities that I have through Kick4Life.”
Senate’s story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when talent, determination and opportunity come together. From a young girl in Moshoeshoe II to a university graduate, international footballer, coach, educator and role model, she has consistently embraced opportunities to grow while helping others do the same.
Everyone at Kick4Life congratulates Senate on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished and wish her every success as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey.
