At just 24 years old, Ts’episo David Chaoana has emerged as one of Lesotho’s most inspiring cricket exports, demonstrating how dedication, resilience, and opportunity can transform raw talent into a promising international career pathway.
Born in Hlotse, Leribe, Chaoana’s cricket journey began in 2015 at Hlotse High School. Under the guidance of coach Ts’eliso Mohapi, who mentored him for five formative years, and later Mr Tumisang Loisa, who became a key figure in his development, Chaoana built a strong foundation in the sport.
These early years were instrumental in shaping both his technical ability and mental discipline.
After high school, he joined Linare Cricket Club, where a lack of formal coaching forced players to take initiative and develop independently. This experience proved invaluable, instilling leadership qualities and a deeper understanding of the game. Chaoana’s breakthrough came in 2018 following an impressive performance at a high school cricket competition in Mohale’s Hoek.
He earned selection into the national Under-19 squad that competed in the ICC Men’s qualifiers held in North West, South Africa. In the same year, he made his debut for the senior national team during the ICC Africa qualifiers in Botswana—marking the beginning of a long-standing international career. He has since represented Lesotho consistently for nine years under the guidance of national coaches including Chaka Lekoatsa, Theko Mahloane, and Alexander Mavhiko. Domestically, Chaoana has featured for several clubs including Linare Cricket Club, Leribe Cricket Club, Shaheen 11, and Lankasia Cricket Club.
His contributions have extended beyond Lesotho’s borders, notably helping Ficksburg United Cricket Club in South Africa secure first place in a 2019 tournament, and guiding Rising Stars Cricket Club to a second-place finish in Lesotho in 2023.
In September 2025, Chaoana took a bold step in his career by traveling to South Africa for trial sessions. Despite the short duration—just three days, including night sessions and a match—he impressed coaches enough to secure a place immediately. This led to his introduction to Etwatwa Cricket Club in Benoni, Gauteng, facilitated by coaches Sello Mabuya and Lehlohonolo Mosekili of the In The V Cricket Academy.
Their relationship, which began through social media in 2023, evolved into structured online coaching and performance analysis, highlighting the power of modern connectivity in athlete development. Currently playing for Etwatwa Cricket Club, Chaoana has made significant strides in Gauteng cricket.
After only four T20 warm-up matches, his performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to an invitation to trial with Eastern Storm’s B Division side. He is now in the process of securing a contract, representing a major milestone in his professional journey. His development has been supported by a network of dedicated coaches, including Alexander Mavhiko, Sello Mabuya, Lehlohonolo Mosekili, Mbulelo Beya, and Toffas Nyawo.
Beyond coaching, Chaoana acknowledges the vital role played by his family, the Lesotho Cricket Association, various clubs, and individuals such as Waseem Yaqoob. While in Gauteng, he has also found a second home with the Dlangamandla family, whose support and care have provided stability and comfort during his transition abroad—an often overlooked but crucial aspect of an athlete’s success.
Chaoana’s journey is a powerful testament to how cricket can open doors beyond borders. From humble beginnings in Hlotse to competing in South Africa’s competitive cricket structures, his story reflects opportunity, perseverance, and growth. More importantly, it serves as a message to young Basotho: cricket is not just a sport, but a pathway to personal development, international exposure, and economic opportunity.
As he continues to pursue a professional contract in South Africa, Ts’episo Chaoana remains a beacon of hope and ambition for the next generation of cricketers in Lesotho.