When it comes to defensive playing, Likano Teele (32) from Thibella in Maseru is the man trusted to do the job by Kick4life.
Teele joined Kick4life FC from Likhopo FC in 2016 as a defender and quickly became what the doctor had ordered, taking his team to position six in the Econet Premier League. His form is rising with every game despite the fact that he had wanted to retire at 29 when he thought his body would have taken all the knocks it could.
Kanolo, as he is known to his legion of fans, had previous stints at Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) and Bantu FC before playing for Kick4Life. He was already playing for Likhopo FC in 2000 while a learner at Sefika High School under the tutelage of the late coach, Bishop Molatuli, who taught him different styles of defensive playing.
“Coach Bishop encouraged me to continue with my education while I was playing football. It was a challenge balancing my studies with my career as a soccer player because we travelled a lot, but I worked really hard so that I wouldn’t have to quit one of them,’’ states Kanolo.
He says he was toughened by the neighbourhood in which he grew up where he was witnessing rampant theft and killing of people. He then decided that he was going to make something out of his life by playing football and also practicing Karate. Some of his age-mates, he states, died young due to crime. He believes he is alive and well today thanks to God and his dedication to soccer.
Whilst still playing he enrolled at Lerotholi Polytechnic where he graduated with a Diploma in Business Management which he hopes to make good use of after retiring from football.
One of his highlights in the beautiful game is playing against Mamelodi Sundowns while he was still a player at Likhopo in the Champions’ League. His efforts also saw him scooping the much coveted Best Player of the season in 2018 at Kick4life FC.
“I trust in God with every move I make. I wouldn’t have succeeded the way I have if it weren’t for Him. You have to have discipline to grow in this profession and your attitude determines your success. When things get difficult, you cannot complain. Take every piece of good advice you can get, cherish it and you will endure the tough practices and games,” he says.
His dream is to become a top notch coach as he retires in the near future.
