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FIFA national referees undergo fitness training

May 27, 2021

GABORONE, Botswana, May 27, 2021 – Two Botswana FIFA registered national referees, Tirelo Mositwane and Kitso Sibanda on Tuesday underwent tests at the Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) Lekidi Football Centre in Gaborone.

Referee’s Manager, Phodiso Rasetshoga said the physical fitness tests are extremely important as they ascertain the level of fitness on all the FA’s 12 FIFA registered referees, so they conform to any international duties keenly, whenever they are assigned.

Botswana top referee, Joshua Bondo has been leading the local lads in securing various international assignments, where he officiated some matches in the ongoing CAF competitions. It is against this backdrop that the FA Referees’ Manager saw the need to sharpen the two with a physical fitness drill as they await other impending assignments.

Referee Mositwane (in green)

Rasetshoga was speaking at Lekidi Football Centre on Tuesday where two referees Tirelo Mositwane and Kitso Sibanda are yearning for a full fitness under his watch.

“There are two main aspects that we have to work on which are the technical and physical conditioning. The referees need to be aware of their tactics which includes movement in the field, applying, and interpreting the law with tutorials and live situation of a match. The other aspect is physical conditioning of our referees which is one of the core demands of a referee in an international match hence our training at this point,” said Rasetshoga.

He added, “BFA is here to deliver refereeing as we professionalize the game. The significance of physical tests is to ensure quality of the referees in the country.”

Referee Sibanda

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Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.