Boxing legend Teboho Mafatle laid to rest: Olympian, mentor and national icon

NTHAKO MAJORO

Teboho Mafatle, Lesotho’s revered boxing champion and coach who died of thromboembolism on May 9, was laid to rest at C-Point in Maseru last Saturday. Mafatle was not only a superb boxer but also the preeminent coach of his era. Throughout his career, he developed numerous elite fighters who brought glory to Lesotho on international stages. 
Beyond coaching, Mafatle served as Vice President-Technical for the Lesotho Boxing Association (LeBA) until his passing.

Kolobe Sehloho, LeBA’s current president and a protégé of Mafatle, attested to his dual legacy: “He excelled as both a boxer and coach. Mafatle was the first and only local boxer employed as a boxing representative for a South African mine.”

Sehloho revealed Mafatle’s unparalleled skill through personal experience: “As his trainee, he took me to trials at that same mine after his hiring. I failed, whereas he had passed – proving he was truly the best.”

Mafatle’s impact extended to the global arena. He coached fighters including Sebusiso Keketsi to the Olympic Games.   Guided Sehloho to Lesotho’s first-ever international boxing medal (Gold) at the 1996 Zone VI Championships (now Zone IV) and also mentored Letuka Sephula to a Commonwealth Bronze Medal at the 2000 Manchester Games in England. 

Mafatle co-founded the legendary Best Boxers Club (BBC), Lesotho’s premier club featuring icons like Mosolela “Fire” Tsie and Letuka Sephula.

Sehloho, an original member, noted: “He built BBC from scratch. I joined as a boxer, followed by Sephula, Tsie, Keketsi, and others.”
Former boxing judge, ‘Masetota Leshota, now a parliamentarian, highlighted Mafatle’s resilience growing up in gang-dominated C-Point.  She said “In an era where avoiding gangs was seen as foolish, Mafatle chose boxing. After team training, he would coach boys in our village alone – his dedication inspired us all.”

“Despite C-Point’s violent reputation – where lacking a knife invited trouble – he remained humble, well-dressed and peaceful. He proved you needed courage, not weapons.”

National boxing coach Meshack Letšoepa, himself a product of Mafatle’s tutelage, confirmed the profound impact of his mentor’s passing.

Mafatle’s career was defined by his exceptional talent for identifying and nurturing world-class boxers. Under his guidance, Lesotho produced a remarkable roster of athletes who excelled internationally.

Mafatle’s return to boxing after a hiatus sparked an immediate resurgence, with local boxers winning two Golds, two Silvers and a Bronze at the Zone IV Tournament under his strategic oversight as Vice President-Technical. 

His methods led to podium finishes at the Mandela African Boxing Cup, proving his unparalleled ability to elevate athletes quickly.

In an emotional statement, Letšoepa emphasized Mafatle’s irreplaceable role:
“Coach Mafatle had a special gift for boxing. His insights were pivotal for our preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympics. He shared ambitious plans days before his passing. Losing him now is devastating – he was the architect of our future.”

Mafatle’s death leaves critical gaps in Lesotho’s sporting infrastructure, his blueprint for athlete preparation remains incomplete, as Letšoepa noted.

His legacy transcends medals.

He transformed Lesotho boxing from a peripheral contender into a respected force, proving small nations could excel through dedicated mentorship.

His athletes – now coaches, Olympians, and champions – embody his philosophy with Letšoepa said: “Believe in yourself and do what you do best.”

As Lesotho faces upcoming competitions without its guiding visionary, honouring Mafatle means investing in the systems he championed: consistent international exposure, athlete-coach development, and institutional support.

“In the ring, Mafatle taught us to bleed but never break. That resilience is his everlasting gift to Lesotho,” said Letšoepa.

Mafatle’s legacy endures. He was a trailblazer who lifted Lesotho’s boxing to unprecedented heights while transforming his community through unwavering principle and passion.