Fight to Play brings together people from football, film, business and international sport around one simple idea: exceptional talent should not be defined by where someone was born or whether anyone happened to be watching.
Our team combines the experience to find the players, open doors, tell their stories and build the stage on which they can be seen.
What began as an idea has become a growing international network united by one question:
Leads the strategic direction, executive management and global football operations of Fight to Play. Oversees all football operations, talent identification and international player pathway strategy.
Scouted and coached England international players Max Dowman and Ryan McAidoo (Manchester City). Former Premier League talent identification scout working with Arsenal, West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
Has established football academies and elite player development programmes internationally. Leads relationships with clubs, federations, academies and football organisations across Africa, Europe and emerging football markets.
More than 30 years delivering international factual television and documentary productions across 52 countries.
Contributed to productions for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC and ARTE. Produced and directed original independent documentary and factual projects.
Mapulane Phohleli is a Lesotho entrepreneur, sports leader and advocate for women's empowerment. She serves as Global Chair of G100's Sports Empowerment & Championships Wing, bringing together her experience in sport, enterprise, community development and the advancement of women and girls.
In 2017, she founded Mot'seeo FC, a non-profit organisation using football to reach underprivileged women and children and develop empowerment and leadership through sport. The club's patron is Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Her entrepreneurial career began in the beauty industry, where she pioneered professional nail care in Lesotho and trained others to develop businesses and careers of their own. She later launched her own swimwear line and, through her personal journey into swimming, became a swimming advocate, instructor and author.
As Head of Sport at Fight to Play, Mapulane helps shape our wider sporting vision, international relationships and community-led opportunities for women and girls.