27 Jan 2015

When the whistle blows in August to mark the kickoff of the Sydney 2015 Netball World Cup, Botswana’s umpire, Abednico Chetelo, will be on the court sidelines officiating.

Chetelo, an Africa grade A recognised umpire, is the first Motswana to be granted an opportunity to officiate at the Netball World Cup following an invitation by the International Netball Federation (INF).

Chetelo officiated during the Africa World Cup Qualifiers in Botswana last year under the watchful eye of INF instructors where he impressed and was subsequently awarded  grade A. 

His involvement in netball downrightly broke gender stereotypes to prove that netball was not only for women and had further cemented the notion that sports could break all barriers.

The Ledumang Senior Secondary School teacher rose above the rest and did well in the umpiring and coaching business. Many will remember him on the court sidelines during the 2014 African Youth Games not as an umpire but as a head coach where he led the team to a bronze medal.

In an interview, the multi-talented Chetelo noted that having stayed in Australia had boosted his netball career in that he attained his level two, three and advanced coaching qualifications while in Melbourne. He stated that while in Australia he umpired in the Victoria state league which is a prestigious league from 2004- 2005.

Amongst his umpiring accolades were the 2012 University Games, Africa World Cup Qualifiers in 2010 and 2014, Confederation of Africa Netball Association (COSANA) games and his subsequent appointment as chairperson of umpires committee in 1999.

The umpire stated that his involvement in sports dates back to 1992 having coached secondary schools and umpired in the national league and cups over the years. 

With the opportunity of a lifetime having knocked at his door, Chetelo said he is proud to represent Botswana at the World Cup which he believes would open doors for other Batswana umpires.

He said International Netball Federation (INF) saw something in him and hence picked him to officiate at the games of this magnitude.

Chetelo said having coached and umpired the world champions Australia, he believed Batswana netballers can match their skills but could only be challenged by height and psychological preparedness.

Nevertheless he stated that being an umpire had challenges that hinder one to rise quickly such as lack of activities. 

Asked for comment, Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego stated that BONA is excited to send an umpire at an event of this magnitude adding that she is convinced he would make them proud.

She said this is an incredible development for Chetelo as well as BONA and she hopes it would open doors for more Batswana umpires. Lebotse- Sebego believes Chetelo could have done earlier and officiated at the 2013 youth championships but unfortunately did not get an invite.

Nevertheless she stated that one of her goals as the president was to see a Motswana umpire officiate at the World Cup. “Chetelo did impressively well during the Africa World Cup Qualifiers here in Botswana under the observation of international instructors and I believe he will make us proud.” ENDS