Damning allegations rock rugby as referees quit
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 31, 2026 06:00
In 2025, the concerned referees formed an association called Eagles Rugby Referees Society, but the BRU rejected their request for affiliation. This week, two referees, Snakes Ramakwii and Kennedy Ndaba, submitted their resignation letters to the BRU. In his letter, Ramakwii said there are some issues to do with BRU officiating that need to be taken care of before it is too late.
“Unprofessionalism, corruption, nepotism, fraternisation/sexual harassment, undocumented officials, and spying on Botswana through rugby activities paid for by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC),” the letter reads.
“The mismanagement of referees’ allowances that sometimes are paid to non-deserving individuals in order for someone to receive a kick-back payment. The referees committee has been in existence for more than a decade, and the chairperson, Alec Maphosa, has been in the position for a long time. We have evidence to back the allegations if it is needed.”
Ramakwii further revealed that he was made to lie by the BRU executive committee when one player from Botho Ryders passed on at Old Gaborone Hogs playing ground that he was the centre referee for the game whilst Jerome Alabu was the one in charge of the game.
He added that many things are happening, but the BRU is turning a blind eye.
Ramakwii told MmegiSport that more referees intend to resign after the upcoming 7s tournaments as they are unhappy.
He revealed some referees, including Ndaba, Wethu Fane, Pako Motlhatlhedi, Bogadinyana Matlho, Kago Lekula, Lekgobo Bafana, and Katlego Morapedi, have been removed from platforms such as WhatsApp groups.
Ndaba said in his letter that he had resigned as a referee, touch judge and match official with BRU effective August 10.
He said due to personal commitments and concerns regarding the current working environment within the refereeing department, particularly the manner in which referees are being addressed and threatened by the current head of referees. “I have made the difficult decision to step away from officiating. I believe that match officials should be able to perform their duties in an environment built on professionalism, respect, and constructive communication.
“Unfortunately, I no longer feel comfortable continuing under the current circumstances,” Ndaba said. Contacted for comment, Maphosa told MmegiSport that he was shocked by the allegations levelled against him, but said he was not in a position to comment further. Responding to the letters, BRU secretary general, Damelin Motlogelwa, said the matters raised will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for consideration.
He said the process will also afford Ramakwii an opportunity to elaborate on the concerns contained in the letter and to assist the union in establishing the relevant facts.
Motlogelwa confirmed receiving Ndaba’s letter, acknowledging concerns raised, adding that BRU values professionalism, mutual respect, and constructive communication within all its departments and amongst stakeholders. “Your concerns are noted and will be handled through the appropriate structures of the union,” Motlogelwa added.
Meanwhile, BRU vice president-technical, Elijah Kokoro, told MmegiSport that he was aware of the two referees' resignations.
He said there is a process that is being conducted following the resignations. He said it is not something that he had expected, but there was nothing that could be done due to the reasons raised.
He said the union does not like losing its workforce, but there is nothing that they could have done to stop the resignations. “There were interventions before on those issues raised in the resignation letters. The allegations are being handled professionally. Moving forward, the plan is for the union to look into the referees' welfare,” Kokoro said.
“We are doing our best to always provide the best service, align standards and cross-check operations. Regarding the allegations raised about a certain individual, we will seek guidance from BNSC and Rugby Africa; we cannot just take action.”