Lesotho's boxing team made a remarkable performance at the Best of Best Boxing Tournament held in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, from September 2 to 4. The team returned home with an impressive haul of 11 gold medals and 5 silver medals, earning them the overall winner's trophy. The tournament, organised by Thubalethu Boxing Club, attracted teams from various provinces across South Africa and national teams from Zimbabwe.
The men's senior team, led by Mathealira Seholoholo, who won gold in the 57kg category, had a stellar performance. Poana Khoahli, a 2026 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, also claimed gold in the 67kg category. Other notable winners include Tanki Nkuni (51kg), Toka Litabe (60kg), Monaheng Khebe (63.5kg), and Refiloe Thai (71kg). Lerotholi Leshoboro secured silver in the 75kg category.
In the women's senior category, Rapelang Malesela won gold in the 67kg division. Malesela recently made history as the first Lesotho female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal, claiming bronze at the 2026 Games in Glasgow, Scotland. She was joined on the gold-medal podium by Fusi Seholoholo (50kg) and Pulane Kokosi (52kg).
The youth categories also saw impressive performances from Lesotho's boxers. Tieho Tšehla won gold in the men's 51kg division, while Tlotlang Khali (48kg) and Letlotlo Mohali (57kg) secured silver medals. In the women's youth category, Sebabatso Phomane won gold in the 60kg division, and Sentsane Mokhehle took silver in the 48kg category.
Team coach Thabiso Nketu expressed satisfaction with the boxers' performance, stating that the tournament provided valuable competition as they prepare for upcoming international events. The 2027 African Games will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from January 20 to February 7, 2027, and Nketu believes that this tournament has formed part of the senior boxers' preparations.
The Lesotho Boxing Association (LeBA) team manager, Taole Letšasa, highlighted the importance of the tournament as a preparatory platform for the under-20 boxers ahead of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which will be held in Maputo, Mozambique, in December.
The Best of Best Boxing Tournament has provided Lesotho's boxers with a significant opportunity to test their skills against top competition. With 11 gold medals and 5 silver medals, the team's performance has demonstrated their potential and readiness for future international events.
Key points
- Lesotho's boxing team won 11 gold medals and 5 silver medals at the Best of Best Boxing Tournament in South Africa.
- The tournament provided valuable competition for Lesotho's boxers as they prepare for the 2027 African Games and the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
- Rapelang Malesela, a 2026 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, won gold in the women's senior 67kg division.
