11 Apr 2013

The selection of Joshua Bondo to officiate at the Africa U-17 championships in Morocco has been hailed as a good opportunity for local referees to prove themselves in continental competitions.

National referee committee chairperson, Edwin Senai said this was a challenge for other referees to prove that Botswana had the potential to produce quality referees.

He said Bondo's selection was an indication that he had been doing well because officials were assessed after every match.

He said Bondo officiated brilliantly in regional games such as COSAFA and at the Under 23 All Africa Games in South Africa in 1999.

However, he said this was not a first for the country as some local referees also had a chance to officiate at some women tournaments such as the Africa U-20 championships.

The chairperson noted that this would not be the first time for Bondo to officiate at the Africa U-17 championships as they both officiated when Botswana hosted in 1997.

Senai said he believed the opportunity would open doors for the referee as the world will be watching him. “We wish him all the luck and want to see him officiating at a higher competition like AFCON in the future,” he noted.

He also said taking part at the continental showpiece would build Bondo's individual profile.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday in Morocco where the Zebras U-17 will play Tunisia in Group A. ENDS