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BFA referees to fly the flag at COSAFA 2021

Jun 23, 2021

GABORONE, Botswana – The Botswana Football Association (BFA) refereeing duo of Keabetswe Dintwa and Lucky Kegakolotswe will join their counterparts from across the region by officiating at this year’s historic 20th COSAFA Cup edition. The region’s football showpiece runs from July 7th – 18th 2021 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa. Dintwa is a referee based in Francistown while Kegakolotswe is an assistant referee based in Palapye.

The two are said to have impressed the referees’ panel during last year’s (2020) COSAFA Under-20 Challenge tournament, where their mettle and refereeing prowess shined. “This will be their first time to officiate in the COSAFA Cup senior challenge and that means they did well in the junior tournament previously. We are happy with their progression, normally you have to prove your mettle in the junior tournament before being entrusted with the senior tournament of COSAFA”, said BFA Referees Manager, Phodiso Rasetshoga when reacting to the exciting news today.

The duo will depart to South Africa on July 1, 2021, where they will join other referees from across the region, before undergoing a pre-tournament course led by COSAFA instructors. The 12-team tournament returns after the 2020 edition had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Botswana senior national team, Zebras has been drawn against South Africa, eSwatini and Lesotho in Group A as preparations for the historic 20th edition of the regional showpiece competition kick into gear. In Group B is Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros while Senegal, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia all form part of Group C.

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BFA GRANTS AMROUCHE LEAVE OF ABSENCE

GABORONE, Botswana – Following the request by Senior National Team Coach, Adel Amrouche for leave of absence to attend to a personal matter, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) wishes to inform the public that he has been granted the leave with immediate effect.

Since the COSAFA tournament is the last competitive tournament for the Zebras in the immediate future, the BFA amicably resolved to release Amrouche. The affairs of the National team in preparation for the tournament, set to take place in Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa from 7-18 July 2021 shall be handed over to Letang Kgengwenyane.

“The BFA understands and supports Mr. Amrouche’s situation and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours,” said BFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Goabaone G. Taylor.

Amrouche took over as the Zebras head coach in August 2019 on a two-year deal. After weeks of engaging with the coach over his future, an agreement was reached not to extend his contract.

Adel Amrouche

“Amrouche has been Zebras head coach since August 2019, and his leadership during that time was important to our successful development and international exposure of our players,” added Taylor.

“We appreciate all that Amrouche has done to build a disciplined team. He has always had a thorough understanding of what it takes to be a successful team and has done his best to mentor his players accordingly,” concluded Taylor.

Amrouche has since expressed gratitude towards the BFA for the opportunity.
“I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to lead the Zebras over the last two years. I leave having picked up quite a number of valuable lessons that will be necessary in the journey ahead. I wish the Zebras success in future competitions,” Amrouche said in statement recently.