24 Sep 2020

Joy Foundation has donated a referee gear to Alpha Moraope, one of the youngest football referees in Botswana.

Speaking at the donation of the kit and celebration of Moraope’s 15th birthday on September 23, Joy Setshedi, founder of the organisation, said she first saw the young aspiring referee last December when he was umpiring at a football match. She said she recognised his talent and passion for being an umpire.

Setshedi said as a foundation that helps develop and groom upcoming sport pundits, they saw it fit to donate the gear as a way of empowering the young man. She said he had always stated that all he wanted as a birthday present was a referee kit.

She said her efforts would also help the Kgatleng Regional Referees Association who have also adopted Moraope in order to mentor and prepare him for a career as a referee.

Other than donations, Joy Foundation is also building a sport academy to groom young players.

For his part, Kgatleng Regional Referees Association secretary, Lucas Nku said as talented as Moraope was, he anticipated to see him umpiring at the premiere league, First Division or outside the country one day. He said the association wished to see Moraope excel as a young referee.

Moraope’s father, Bathusi Pheko expressed his gratitude to both the foundation and referees association for helping his son nurture his passion. He promised to give his son the support he needed going forward.

Moraope joined refereeing as a 13-year-old in 2018 and has officiated at the 2018/2019 Kgatleng annual festive tournament women’s finals and served as an assistant referee at the under 17 final match in Mochudi. Ends