Moorosi Tsiane
CENTRAL referee Lebalang Mokete had to be escorted out of the stadium by security officers during his CAF Confederations Cup assignment for the match between Zambian side, Napsa Stars and Kenyan visitors, Gor Mahia in Lusaka on Sunday.
Miffed by Mokete’s decision to award Napsa Stars a penalty in the dying minutes of the game, Gor Mahia players attempted to assault Mokete. Naspers, who were trailing by 1-2 at the time, converted the spot kick resulting in the match ending in a 2-2 draw. Napsa Stars then proceeded to the next stage on a 3-2 aggregate.
Lesotho Referees coordinator, Mohau Sentso confirmed that there was an attempt to assault Mokete by Gor Mahia players but said he was saved by the security.
“He (Mokete) was officiating a second leg match between Napsa Stars of Zambia and Gor Mahia from Kenya,” Sentso said.
“Napsa had won the first leg match 0-1 in Kenya. So, in the second leg the visitors were leading the match 2-1 until they conceded a penalty in the optional time.
“It is clear that they were unhappy with the referee’s decision, so after the match they tried to attack him but fortunately, the stadium security was nearby and they managed rescued him.”
He said Mokete has already submitted his reports to CAF and it is now up to the continental body to take action.
“Both Mokete and the match commissioner have already submitted their reports to CAF as this was a continental assignment, so we will be waiting to hear from them after assessing the reports.
“We may have to wait for a lengthy period to hear the verdict as CAF normally waits to review multiple reports… We are happy that Mokete and his assistants Siza Dlangamandla and Mapoho Mapoho and the fourth official, Osias Koto, have all arrived back in the country. They are all ok.”
Sentso expressed dismay that such unruly behaviour was continuing in Africa.
“This is disappointing especially coming from big teams such as Gor Mahia. They have been dominating in Kenya for some time and I think that has now put them under pressure for positive results even when they are not playing well. Such behaviours must end,” Sensto said.
