Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has commended prominent assistant referee Souru Phatšoane and Mehalalitoe captain Boitumelo Rabale for their outstanding performance in their respective
assignments recently. On February 06 2022 Phatšoane, along with two South African referees Victor Gomes and Zakhele Siwele became the first referees from the Southern Africa to officiate the final of the
continental showpiece, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Rabale on the other hand won the first ever (Confederations of African Football) CAF Women’s
Champion League final with her team, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC in November last year. Phatšoane and Rabale were both awarded with a certificate and trophy
each. LeFA Media and Information Officer Mikia Kalati told the media on Monday that the association appreciates Phatšoane for flying Lesotho flag high at the recently ended 2021 African Cup of Nations
(AFCON) in Cameroon. Rabale received the same ceremonial service last year.
“The association does not go beyond three months without hosting a training for
referees. This is a huge investment for the association because in future it will have other referees similar to Phatšoane,” Kalati stated. Phatšoane was humbled by the honour.
He said it has taken him two years to officiate in the final, saying the experience was a dream come true. He enlightened that they were told two days
before the final that they will officiate the AFCON finals. He said that came as a surprise to him because he thought he will at least officiate three to
four AFCON tournaments before he could even think about officiating at the finals. “We were excited obviously to hear the announcement, we couldn’t wait to officiate the final because it is every
referees’ dream to officiate the AFCON final,” he said. Phatšoane added that he is inspired by South Africa elite assistant referee Siwele. A Member of LeFA National Executive
Committee (NEC) and Chairman of Lesotho Refereeing Association Tebalo Mpiti said they are pleased with Phatšoane’s performance towards his international assignments
and sees him performing at the coming world cup tournament. He also encouraged the upcoming referees to take a leaf out of Phatšoane’s book because he always makes the association proud whenever he is assigned internationally.
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