17 YEAR OLD BUDDING REFEREE GETS COSAFA INVITE
Budding referee Raphael Mbotela has caught the eye of Cosafa who have invited him for the 2021 Under-17 Region V Games in Lesotho.
The 17-year-old Mbotela has been making waves as an understudy of top referees on the Copperbelt with his officiating in the amateur ranks and Sunday league games winning him accolades.
While his eureka moment was officiating a high-profile friendly moment between Zambian Super League champions Zesco United and Forest Rangers, he has been a constant fixture in the amateur leagues.
He was also a key official at the launch of the FIFA grassroots program where he captivated the organizers led by FAZ president Andrew Kamanga and ministry of sports officials.
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says Football House is elated at the appointment of Mbotela, who will be part of the Region V will be games.
“With reference to the above-mentioned games that will be played in Lesotho from the 30th of November to the 10th of December 2021 we have pleasure in advising that the following Referees from your Association have been appointed to officiate,” reads the letter signed by Cosafa General Secretary Sue Destombes in part.
“They will be requested to join the COSAFA Delegation in Lesotho on the 24th of November 2021. Mr. Raphael Mbotela and Nancy Kasitu.”
Zambia will be participating in the Region V Games where they will field a male and female team.
Mbotela was born on 29th September 2005 and lives in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province. The 16-year-old is currently in grade 10 at Bulangililo Secondary School in Kitwe.
