Botshabelo Ref officiates in CAF match

Tuesday 06 April 2021, 15:45pm/ Mandla Nkosi

Image: Professional referee Moeketsi Molelekoa. Photo: facebook

Botshabelo: A 30-year-old professional referee from Botshabelo, Free State Province made his first international debut in Zambia.

Moeketsi Molelekoa who was born and bred in G Section, started as a referee in the local football leagues just after the 2010 Soccer World Cup hosted by South Africa.

He said the sky is the limit for him and he dreams of officiating in the World Cup matches.

In his international debut, he officiated in the African Cup of Nations qualifying match between Zambia and Algeria on March 25, where the score ended 3-3.

He said it was his first time and even though he was a bit nervous, he had to be brave like an ambassador.

“During our warm up for the match, I then realised that I have to be strong because I am now at an international level.

When the game started I was brave but had a bit of a nerve that I may not make mistakes,” said Molelekoa who was the second assistant referee in the match.

He added that his dream, came true to be an international referee.

“I wanted to be a professional soccer player but things did not turn according to my way and I became a referee,” Molelekoa said.

He said he started at a local football league before being promoted to SAB, ABC Motsepe Leagues as well as Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2014.

“After joining PSL my first game was in Rustenburg between Platinum Stars and Orlando Pirates, I then got an invitation to the U/21 SAB National Tournament where I officiated opening match, semis and final match,” said Molelekoa

Among other matches that he officiated is the Macufe Cup.