By Dr. Clifford Molefe
From the dusty grounds of Ha Rats’iu village in Teyateyaneng to representing Lesotho on the international cricket stage, Lefulere Monanthane continues to prove that determination and discipline can transform dreams into reality. The 27-year-old cricket all-rounder, born in Mafeteng, discovered the sport while attending Assumption High School in 2014. What started as curiosity during a school revision week quickly became a lifelong passion. “I saw other students playing cricket during revision week and I became interested in the game,” recalled Monanthane. “From there I started following cricket on television and fell in love with it.”
Without proper equipment at home, Monanthane improvised with his younger brother, practicing with tennis balls and a wooden plank while learning the basics of batting and bowling. In 2015, at the age of 16, he officially joined the Assumption High School cricket team under the guidance of Coach Thabiso Mohapi. “Coach Mohapi taught me the fundamentals of bowling, batting and fielding. That foundation shaped the player I am today,” said Monanthane.
His breakthrough came in 2016 after senior players completed school, opening space for him in the first team. He played a key role in helping Assumption High School win the Majorobela High School Tournament, where his fiery pace bowling earned him the nickname “STEYN,” inspired by legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn.
Monanthane’s performances soon attracted attention after he claimed 15 wickets in just three games during a tournament in Hlotse, Leribe, where he was named Best Bowler of the Tournament. “I worked hard to improve my batting because I wanted to become a complete player,” he explained. “I admired how AB de Villiers played and that motivated me to develop into an all-rounder.” After starring for TY Super Kings, Monanthane later moved to Maseru for university studies while continuing to grow his cricket career.
His international breakthrough arrived in 2020 after receiving his first national team call-up, although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted cricket activities. He eventually made his international debut for Lesotho Cricket Association against Eswatini in Rwanda in 2021 at the age of 22. Monanthane returned to the national squad in 2024 under Coach Alex Maviko and has since represented Lesotho in bilateral series in Eswatini and Botswana, as well as the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Tanzania.
Now, the all-rounder is preparing for another major assignment as Lesotho gears up for the Tri-Series in Eswatini against Eswatini and Mozambique from 2–7 June 2026. He is also expected to feature in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for Nigeria in October 2026. Despite his growing success, Monanthane remains deeply grounded and passionate about inspiring young athletes from rural communities. “Dreams start small, but hard work turns them into reality,” he said. He added: “Never let where you come from limit where you can go. Every champion was once a beginner who refused to give up.” For aspiring cricketers across Lesotho, Monanthane believes consistency is the key to success. “Keep practicing even when nobody is watching,” he concluded.
