By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) proudly announces a remarkable milestone for its female officiating team. An esteemed quartet of referees, Nteboheleng Setoko, Puleng Mahomo, Polotso Maapara, and Mathapelo Morake, has been appointed to officiate the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier match between Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
The crucial match is scheduled to take place on January 19th at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone for the Lesotho referees, providing them with a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage and contribute to the development of women’s football in Africa.
The officiating team will be overseen by Aminata Sogodogo from Mali, who will act as the Match Commissioner, while Deidre Zealand from South Africa has been assigned as the Referee Assessor.
This high-profile assignment underscores the growing recognition and respect for Lesotho’s female referees within the international football community. Their consistent hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have paved the way for these well-deserved opportunities.
This appointment further solidifies Lesotho’s position as a significant contributor to the development of women’s football in Africa. In recent years, Lesotho referees have made significant strides in their international careers, consistently officiating at various CAF and FIFA competitions.
These international assignments provide invaluable experience, allowing referees to enhance their skills, gain exposure to different playing styles, and learn from some of the best in the business. These experiences also contribute to the overall development of refereeing in Lesotho, raising the bar for aspiring officials and inspiring future generations.
The international assignments for Lesotho referees extend beyond the Senegal vs. Côte D’voire clash. The duo of Souru Phats’oane and Lebalang Mokete will also be heading to Dar Es Salam on the same weekend to officiate the CAF Confederation Cup match between Tanzania’s Simba FC and Algeria’s CS Constantine at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on January 19th.
This appointment further highlights the growing recognition of Lesotho referees on the continental stage. Phats’oane and Mokete will undoubtedly be eager to showcase their skills and contribute to a successful and fair match.
The success of these referees serves as an inspiration to aspiring young referees in Lesotho, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
The appointment of the female referee quartet to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier sends a powerful message about the growing importance of women in football and encourages greater participation of women in all aspects of the game.
These assignments represent a significant step forward for Lesotho referees. As they continue to excel on the international stage, they will undoubtedly inspire future generations of officials and contribute to the continued growth and development of football in Lesotho.
The Lesotho Football Association will undoubtedly continue to support and nurture the careers of these talented referees, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
The appointment of the Lesotho referees to these high-profile international matches is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. These assignments will not only enhance their individual careers but also contribute to the overall development of football in Lesotho. As they prepare for these crucial matches, the entire nation will be cheering them on and wishing them all the best.