Referees course billed for Gaborone

The commission's chairperson, Harris Lebotse said they expect about 30 aspiring referees to take part in the course. The same course has already been run in Ghanzi, Tswapong and Chobe where about 79 officials were trained. Lebotse said this is a basic course focusing on understanding and application of the laws of the game. It involves theory and practice.

The course is open to everybody and Lebotse invited women especially to come in large numbers because they are few in the profession. He  dismissed allegations that women referees are ill-treated and pointed out that they are given the same treatment as their male counterparts. "We are open to everybody and we always encourage women to take part," he said. Currently there are only three active women referees. Botswana may need more female referees especially with the introduction of women football in the country. Lebotse said they are planning to organise a refresher's course for senior referees accredited to FIFA and those in grade one.