Botswana referees are once again in the spotlight after Botswana Football League (BFL) Chief Executive Officer, Bennett Mamelodi, formally requested the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to take action against match commissioner Mmoloki Sebeela. The request follows an incident involving Gaborone United (GU) director, Nicolas Zakhem, who was charged with misconduct stemming from a match between BDF XI and Gaborone United at GU Stadium on February 2, 2025.
Allegations Against Sebeela
In a letter addressed to BFA Chief Executive Officer Mfolo Mfolo, Mamelodi detailed the concerns regarding Sebeela’s handling of the case. He explained that the match report was submitted a day after the game and provided a comprehensive account of the events that transpired.
“This report was forwarded to the Office of the BFL Chief Prosecutor for consideration, after which a decision was made that, prima facie, Nicolas Zakhem and Gaborone United had a case to answer. They were both charged with four counts of misconduct, and a hearing was set down for argument on March 13, at Lekidi,” Mamelodi stated in the letter.
However, during the hearing, Sebeela allegedly changed his account of events, contradicting the contents of his official match report during cross-examination. According to the letter, he became evasive, defensive, and ultimately lied under oath in favor of the accused.
Refereeing Standards Under Question
This latest controversy adds to ongoing concerns over refereeing standards in Botswana football. Complaints over inconsistent officiating and questionable decision-making have been mounting, putting pressure on the BFA to take decisive action to restore credibility.
Mamelodi’s letter suggests that Sebeela’s actions compromised the integrity of the disciplinary process, raising serious concerns about the professionalism and accountability of match officials. If found guilty of misconduct, he could face disciplinary action from the BFA, which has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
Call for Accountability
The incident has sparked renewed calls for the improvement of refereeing standards in Botswana football, with stakeholders demanding stricter oversight and better training for match officials. The BFA is now under pressure to review Sebeela’s conduct and take necessary action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
With the league approaching its critical stages, the credibility of Botswana’s football administration will be put to the test as fans and clubs await a decision on the matter.
