Francistown Regional Football Association (FRAFA) in collaboration with Francistown College of Technical & Vocational Training Education (FCTVE) and North East District MYSC Office today launched a week-long referees training course. The course will be a host to a cohort of 60 trainees.

The course is attended by sport and recreation students from the college and North East District MYSC volunteer officials. The training is conducted by FIFA Accredited Referees Instructor Ms Julia Bolokanang Lekgowe from Selibe Phikwe Region. This course will help curb the issues of shortage of match officials, as well as empower young and upcoming officials in football.

In his welcome remarks, the Principal Mr Asalepele Tobedza expressed gratitude to FRAFA and BFA for an opportunity to work together to develop sport in the region.

“As a training institution it is such partnerships that complement our theory inclined training through realistic situation which aide the holistic development of the learner and prepare them for the real world,” said Tobedza.

He further encouraged the trainees to maximize fully the opportunity accorded to them so that they can reach greater heights to become renowned match officials who can be called up for big stage competitions such as AFCON and World Cup Games.

FRARA Chairperson Mr Maokaneng Bontshetse indicated that the FRAFA partnership will go a long way in developing football as it will bring to light many more trainings that are aimed at developing football. Mr Bontshetse urged the participants to build upon this foundation to reach greateer heights. He says that FRAFA will sign a memorandum of understanding to cement their relationship and will be launched with the league sponsors soon.

In attendance was Mr Mpofu who is also an Instructor and Referees Assessor. The course is expected to end on Friday and attendants will be awarded certification and will further be allocated some of the matches in FRAFA Division 1, Division Two and Women’s Football games.