Sports

Motlojoa: Lesotho’s brightest tennis star

Published

8 years ago

June 30, 2017

Maseru – Kukutla Motlojoa is one with the tennis racquet, his playing style both smooth and commanding.
Perhaps this prowess shouldn’t be a surprise.
At 19, Motlojoa has already been playing the game for nearly 15 years and, as he speaks, his passion for tennis is abundantly clear.
This dedication to his craft has made Motlojoa one of Lesotho’s brightest young sporting talents. Today he is based in the United States, on the next leg of a long journey he hopes will eventually lead him to the professional ranks.

“I started playing tennis at four years old,” Motjojoa says as thepost meets him during his break back home.
“My father was a tennis player; he taught me tennis at the age of four,” he adds.

“I used to go to the tennis court with him and that is when I started playing tennis. It was before I had knowledge of anything else, before I could say I want to play football or any other sport code. I grew up in the environment of tennis. I started slowly and now I have almost 15 years playing tennis.”
So far the fruits of this long labour are good.

In 2014, Motlojoa won a scholarship through Grey College in South Africa to go to the United States and study at the New Mexico Military Institute, an experience he describes as life-changing. There Motlojoa is among a community of hopefuls from around the globe that are privy to the best tennis coaching and facilities. “Playing internationally is nice, I like it,” he says.

“I enjoy playing with different people, not only that, but one gets a chance to make friends and talk to them. They explain to you how they play tennis in their different countries and you learn. Those things that you find helpful you take them and implement them into your game. But, the big issue is to make friends. Yes, when we play on the court we are all serious because we want to win but after that we are friends no matter what,” he continues.
Motlojoa’s new surroundings are a far cry from the struggles he faced when young.

Born on January 6, 1998 in Haramokhele, Mafeteng, Motlojoa studied at Community Centre Primary School in Berea where the closest tennis facilities were the national courts all the way in Maseru.

The firstborn of Retšelisitsoe and ‘Mamokete Motlojoa, he would make the trek with his young brother, Nyathi, and their father would coach them in often demanding one-on-one sessions. “I used to go to the Lesotho Lawn Tennis Association courts with my brother and practice with him while our father was watching,” he says. “I practiced with my younger brother a lot.”

When Motlojoa moved to Ladybrand High School in 2011, making it easier for him to play tennis was at the heart of the decision.
“I went to Ladybrand so that I wouldn’t miss school,” he explains. “Here in Lesotho, when schools were closed there were no tournaments; there would only be tournaments when schools were open. In South Africa there were tournaments during the holidays when schools were closed.”
2011 is the same year Motlojoa began competing on the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) African junior circuit.

It was during this time, amid endless hours of training and watching favoured players such as Rafael Nadal, that his game was moulded.
Motlojoa played at the U18 Mauritius Open in 2011 and the African Junior Championships in Egypt in January 2012. He was chosen for the junior World Championships in Qatar in April 2012 after his displays in Egypt and again competed at the African Champs later in the year in Namibia.
During those early years on the ITF circuit, the dedication of Motlojoa’s family helped overcome several challenges the youngster faced.
“Going out to international tournaments was very challenging because it required support financially but, thankfully, I had a father who managed to help me in those challenges,” he says.

“It doesn’t mean that he could do everything but he did the best he could to help me. There were challenges with equipment, facilities and many other things but the main problem was participating and competing in tournaments.”
In 2014 Motlojoa moved to Grey College in Bloemfontein.

By now he was ranked fifth in Africa in junior doubles. He competed at the 2014 African Junior Championships 2014 in Kenya and won bronze in the doubles at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Under-20 Games in Zimbabwe in December 2014.

His performances led to his qualification for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa and won admirers far and wide.
“A girls coach at New Mexico Military Institute named Dan O’Connell, who had lived in Lesotho for 15 years, needed players,” Motlojoa says.
“I was recommended to him by the ITF development officer in South Africa, and then he started negotiating with my father. That’s how I ended up getting the scholarship to go to the US.”

Upon his arrival in the United States in 2016, Motlojoa immediately had the chance to meet his role models, Spain’s 15-time Grand Slam winner Nadal and eccentric Frenchman Gael Monfils.
“I had always been watching them on screen, but seeing them live, shaking hands with them and also getting an autograph from Gael Monfils was true happiness to me,” he beams.

Inspiration is indeed much easier to meet in the United States where the professional ATP Tour, with all its top stars such as Nadal, Monfils, Andy Murray and others, frequently visits.

“I have had a chance to play with highly experienced players and that has taught me to improve my game-play and work hard because those people are serious with this sport,” Motlojoa says of his time so far at the New Mexico Military Institute.
“The most important issue is fitness and the way they hit the ball. We can all hit the ball but the point is what you do with the ball,” he continues.
“What is your game plan? The one who wins is the one who is able to capitalise where necessary and those minor things are the crucial things that we have to take into consideration.”

It is clear his international exposure has played a major role in Motlojoa’s development as a tennis player.
“I observe how people react in different situations. I play at the baseline while most people like to play close to the net so I always try to learn,” he adds.

Motlojoa’s big dream, of course, is to turn professional and someday compete on the ATP Tour against his idols.
“I am now at school, I am playing for the college (New Mexico Military Institute) after which I will go to university to get a degree,” Motlojoa says.
“The whole process is something that is going to take me more like three to four years to complete, then after that I will look to play on the professional level. I am intending to go professional but there is a long way ahead of that,” he continues.
Indeed, the immediate future has more junior competitions on the horizon.

From July 5 to 10 Motlojoa will be at the KZN TSA Series in Durban before jetting off to compete at the Botswana Open from July 17 to 24.
It is probably a taste of the busy schedule that will one day come. Motlojoa, certainly, has the world at his hands – his tennis racquet to be more exact.

Mohloai Mpesi

Sports

Ramakongoana off to World Athletics Championships

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

Lesotho Olympian Tebello Ramakongoana has booked a ticket to the 2025 World Athletics Championships after finishing second at the C&D Xiamen Marathon in China on Sunday.

Ramakongoana ran a brilliant race at the global event, and he finished in a Lesotho record time of 2:06:18 hours, just 12 seconds shy of first place.

Ethiopian Dawit Wolde secured title ahead of Ramakongoana in a time of 2:06:06.

Ramakongoana’s time has earned him automatic qualification to the World Championships set to be held in Tokyo in September this year and his performance in China took 1:40 minutes off the national record he set when he finished seventh at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

When speaking to local media, Ramakongoana’s American coach, James McKirdy, said the weather was warm but after 10 kilometres the sun appeared.

He said Ramakongoana ran a mostly strategic race with the focus to be amongst the front pack in the early stages of the race.

After 35km, the Olympian increased tempo and pushed the leading pack of 12 men that was a deciding point on who would make the podium.

From there the numbers in the leading group started to dwindle and with two kilometres to go, only four were in the running for podium places.

“(By) pushing hard, Tebello finished in 2:06:18 and earned 2nd place, both his time and his finishing position earned him the automatic standard for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo later this year,” McKirdy said.

“The Xiamen Marathon is an out and back course with moderate hills along the coast of China.

“Tebello’s time was also under the former course record and now sits as the second fastest time ever run for the event,” he continued.

The athlete is currently abroad in the United States where he is based and training.

He was Lesotho’s standout performer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Ramakongoana finished fourth at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and he will hope to claim a medal at this year’s games scheduled to be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.

Tlalane Phahla

Sports

Ramalefane request unsettles Matlama

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

Matlama’s season, brimming with potential and promise, now teeters on the brink of unnecessary distraction due to the off-pitch antics of goalkeeper Monaheng Ramalefane.

His request to be released from his contract after losing his starting position to Leluma Mofoka has sparked a debate about professionalism, teamwork, and respect for contracts in football on social media.

Ramalefane’s behaviour should be a reminder that football is a team sport, not a platform for individual egos.

It is the timing of his letter as well that leaves a sour taste, with Matlama sitting atop the Vodacom Premier League and preparing for a crucial game against Majantja.

It’s a moment when the club needs unity, not controversy.

Yet, Ramalefane’s actions could undermine the club’s campaign.

What makes this scenario even more remarkable is Ramalefane’s history.

He once was the young shot-stopper, benching senior goalkeepers to become Matlama’s number one.

Now, with Mofoka in the ascendancy, Ramalefane appears unable to cope with the same competition he once thrived in.

Instead of embracing the challenge, he has chosen to walk away, which raises questions about his mentality and commitment.

Such behaviour is disappointing, not just for Matlama but for the broader Lesotho football community.

Ramalefane has been on the national team radar, with many believing he had the potential to be Likuena’s number one.

However, his antics, including skipping national team duties in the past, suggest a worrying trend of indiscipline.

Talent alone is not enough; discipline and a strong work ethic are equally important, qualities that Ramalefane seems to be lacking.

Matlama’s management need to act decisively to prevent his discontent from spreading within the squad.

Allowing such behaviour to go unchecked could set a bad precedent.

However, I do think this is an opportunity for the goalkeeper to reflect.

Rather than seeking an easy exit, perhaps he should consider the impact of his actions on his teammates and the supporters.

It would be best for him to put his head down, work hard, and earn back his spot.

With the fans, who have supported Matlama through thick and thin, he is unlikely to have many sympathisers on his side.

I think the fans would respect and love a player who fights for his place rather than one who demands special treatment when things don’t go their way.

Ultimately, this situation is a test for Matlama as a club and Ramalefane’s maturity as a professional.

Tlalane Phahla

Sports

Double header at Bambata

Published

3 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

The Vodacom Premier League resumes this weekend after the Christmas break, and football fans are gearing up for what should be an exciting second half of the season.

Five teams are in the race to claim the coveted premiership trophy and the exciting title chase has seen scores of football fans flock to the grounds this season.

What makes the league’s restart even more interesting is the open January transfer window, which adds another layer of excitement as enthusiasts follow along as clubs hustle to bolster their squads for the business end of the season.

On the field, the action gets underway on Saturday when the first double header of the New Year takes place at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena.

The first encounter will see Bantu, who are currently third on the log standings, take on bottom side ACE Maseru.

Title-chasing Bantu have an opportunity to close the gap on leaders Matlama to just two points with a victory, and ‘A Matšo Matebele’ would still have a game in hand.

ACE Maseru, other the other, remain winless this season and are rooted to the bottom of the table with only three points from 12 games.

As things stand, the premiership debutants require a miraculous turnaround if they are to avoid a swift return to the second tier.

In the second game of the double header, defending champions Lioli will take on another relegation threatened outfit in 15th-placed Mzamane.

A win for the champions would bring them within a point of leaders Matlama.

Matlama, for their part, have a difficult away game against Majantja in Mohale’s Hoek on Sunday.

Majantja, 10th on the log with 14 points, are aiming to finish in the top eight.

For Matlama, the match is critical to maintaining their lead but they will need to dig deep to secure maximum points on the road.

Elsewhere, Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) will take on Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) in a rivalry clash at Ratjomose Ground on Saturday.

The match is vital for both teams for different reasons.

Third-placed LMPS, currently level on points with Bantu, need a win to keep pace in the title race while 9th-placed LCS are desperate to kick-start what has been a disappointing campaign by their standards.

Lifofane and Linare’s encounter in Butha-Buthe is another game to lookout for.

Struggling Linare, who are languishing in 11th-place, will hope to gain some momentum against a Lifofane side that is riding high in sixth place.

The patience of Linare fans is wearing thin and a win is imperative for ‘Tse Tala’ to retain their supporters’ trust.

Weekend fixtures:

Saturday 11th January
Lioli vs Mzamane (Bambatha 16:30) (Live on FIFA+)
LCS vs LMPS (Ratjomose 16:00) (Live on FIFA+)
Bantu vs ACE Maseru (Bambatha 14:00)
Manonyane vs Machokha (Nyakosoba 16:00)
Sunday 12th January
Majantja vs Matlama (Mohale’s Hoek 16:00)
LDF vs Liphakoe (Ratjomose 16:00)
Lifofane vs Linare (Butha-Buthe 16:00)
Lijabatho vs LU FC (Morija 16:00)

Tlalane Phahla