Local referees miss out on AFCON

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Wednesday January 9, 2013 00:00

However, Referees Commission chairperson, Alousious Sesikwe is not overly concerned as he believes a breakthrough for the local whistle men- and women- is not too far off. 'I might take time but the opportunity will come. We have FIFA listed referees and if they perform (well), they will be selected,' Sesikwe said. He said officials like Lekgotla Johannes and Joshua Bondo, among others have performed well and it is only a matter of time before they get recognition. At the last edition which Equatorial Guinea and Gabon co-hosted, local referees were absent which Sesikwe bemoaned.

Despite being constantly shunned, local match officials have made strides in continental club competitionsBondo, who handled the 2012 CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between DRC's AC Leopards and their Malian counterparts, Djoliba is confident of making the cut in 2015.

'I have acquired the right qualifications and performed consistently. My chance is near,' he said. CAF named 18 referees and 22 assistant referees for its flagship competition due to kick-off with a match between the hosts, South Africa and debutants, Cape Verde at FNB Stadium.