Referees calls for protection after Bondo incident
Calistus Kolantsho | Sunday December 8, 2013 20:16
The commission’s chairperson, Mmonwagotlhe Senai told Mmegi Sport this week that referees fear for their safety during matches after the Bondo experience. “Security should be tightened during big matches especially in elimination tournaments such as Mascom Top Eight where tempers are always expected to rise. We cannot treat such games like any other,” said Senai.
He asserted that security guards deployed during matches are not trained for the job. He said the guards concentrate on watching matches and when the game ends, they rush to the stands, forgetting their core mandate of protecting referees.
He urged security companies to train their guards appropriately. He stated that the safety of referees is worse in the First Division where supporters are still engaged as guards.
At one point, he asserted that referees thought of a boycott because they felt their security was not being given the priority it deserves. Senai said previously, they have been informed that clubs do not have money to pay security guards. It was only in recent years that guards from security companies have been hired for matches.
Senai said the commission has advised referees to protect themselves by preparing well for matches and making fair decisions. He said during reviews, some referees admit making mistakes.
Senai said they have pleaded with regional football associations to invite the Referees Commission to train match officials but the response has not been good. He said that most referees in the lower divisions are not properly trained. He asserted that the commission does not have enough money to train referees.
Meanwhile, Selebi-Phikwe Regional Football Association (SPRFA) chairperson, Tebro Onkabetse has said they are unable to train referees because of lack of funds. He said that the P15, 000 administration grant that they get from BFA is not enough to conduct training.