Five Botswana referees recently failed a fitness test conducted by former Zimbabwean referee Felix Twangarima, who is now working full time for FIFA. The five are; Thapelo Disang, Israel Malepa, Moora Silas, Phodiso Rasetsoga and Hawa Maseko. Since failing the test, they have been sidelined from officiating. Part of the fitness test involves a short sprint that must be completed in six seconds.
Referees' Commission secretary, Harris Lebotse said yesterday that the five referees will be given a lifeline again next week to see if they can do better. "Their absence has affected us considering that some games need experience. So far we have missed them but the good thing is that some upcoming referees have managed to fill the void," he told Mmegi Sport. Lebotse pointed out that at first, the failure did not go down well with the concerned referees but they have since accepted their fate. He said they have vowed to fight back and reclaim their positions at FIFA.
