BFA mum on Bondo’s return
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday November 25, 2023 06:00
The four were suspended for inaccurate reporting concerning a 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Benin and Rwanda. Bondo got a six-month suspension which ended in October. Although the suspension did not involve domestic league matches, the BFA suspended Bondo from officiating local matches.
However, there are reports that the association is still not eager to reinstate him. It is alleged that Bondo was barred from taking part in a fitness test last week Saturday at Lekidi Football Centre as part of preparations for his return. “I would rather not comment on the matter and I am not aware if he was barred from any fitness test. For reinstatement, there are refereeing structures that will deal with the matter,” BFA CEO Mfolo Mfolo said in reaction to lifting Bondo’s suspension.
Sources said authorities at Lekidi Football Centre were irked by audio which created insinuations that there is match-fixing in local football. The audio featured Bondo and BFA employee, Monnakgotla Mojaki. Although he denies it, Bondo has been accused of leaking the audio. Bondo appeared to repel advances to influence the outcome of a Premier League match as Mojaki pleaded with him to meet up with a (Nicholas) Zakhem. A commission established to investigate the incident found there was no conclusive evidence which suggested match-fixing. Indications are that Bondo wants to continue officiating in the domestic league until December and then announce his retirement. Three months ago, Bondo confirmed to MmegiSport that he intends to retire soon.
“It is true that I am considering quitting as a referee. I, however, do not want to say much because I have to do a lot of consultations before I make a definite decision,” he said in a previous interview. Then, the ‘Sprinter’ as he is known, said he has set his sights on becoming a refereeing instructor once he retires. No comment could be obtained from Bondo at press time.