Moorosi Tsiane

THE four top local football referees who failed a fitness test a fortnight ago will today get a second bite of the cherry in the form of another test at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon.

The quartet of Lebalang Mokete, Matheola Makhobalo, Mathabo Kolokotoane and Makhetha Phatsoane failed the test which was organised by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Referees Committee- without which they cannot officiate football matches.

However, LeFA RC spokesperson Maponyane Letsie recently told the Sunday Express that they had been handed a life-line with the new test that is on today.

He said they would however, foot the bills for the test, including the hiring of a public address system, a doctor as well as the use of the stadium.

The LeFA RC will provide an instructor and the necessary equipment.

“The four top referees who failed the cooper tests on 7 January 2018 have been granted a second chance to save their careers and the test will be done on Sunday at Setsoto Stadium, Letsie said.

“This test are done quarterly and if any referees fail they are given a second chance after two weeks and that is what is happening now. The only difference is that they will pay for the ground, PA system and a doctor. We will assist by providing equipment and instructor.”

He said they were worried after the four’s failure further reduced the already small number of officials officiating in Premier League and A Division matches.

He expressed hope that the officials would pass this time around so that they would return to officiating when the second round of the Econet Premier League begins.

“Many things can happen and cause any referee to fail because it is an extreme test hence we give them a second chance. Two of the referees, Mokete and Kolokotoane are on the FIFA panel so they are top referees and losing them would be a blow.

“We already have a small number of referees so we hope they will come fully prepared this time around and pass the test,” Letsie said.