11 Jan 2022

Botswana’s top referee, Joshua ‘The Sprinter’ Bondo, officiated a Ghana-Morocco AFCON game with gusto and diligence on Monday.

He is well known for communicating with teams in the tunnel before kick-off to encourage clean football and the strategy seems to be working for him.

During the Monday game in Cameroon, it was evident that Bondo had done his assignment well, especially for a game of that magnitude.

It seemed Ghana wanted a win by hook or crook given that they had not been doing well.

The Black Stars were under pressure, but Bondo ensured that their aggression did not affect the game flow.

He exercised patience until the 16th minute when he flashed a yellow card to Alexander Djiku of Ghana for a rough tackle.

As the game progressed, both sides went all out to open the score-sheet, hence increasing tempo of the game.

However, it was Morocco who eventually won 1-0.

Bondo was equal to the fast-paced game with his sprinting techniques, making sure that his eyes were on the ball at the right time.

One hopes that he will progress with the tournament and given tougher games.

Expectations are that Bondo, together with his assistants Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho and Tunisia’s Khalil Hassani, have scored high marks from the referee assessors, something that could help them progress with the tournament.

Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile, said this was a well-rounded performance by Bondo.

“Never did he allow the game to get out of his control. He had complete command and authority throughout and players barely challenged him for his decisions. The truth is he never got his foot wrong during the game,” he said.

Koothopile said even players could not openly show dissent against his decisions because he was authoritative and always in control.

He said point in case was the 53rd minute when he ordered a corner retake and Ghana players wanted to dissent, adding that he quickly had a strong word with them and order was restored.

His positioning, he said, was also spot as shown in the 39th minute when he awarded Morocco a set piece.

Koothopile said Bondo stood in a position where he had a good view of all players and the game, adding that one thing he admired about Bondo was his fitness level.

“He ran tirelessly throughout the game and was always close to action. He had a good game and if he can continue in the same manner, he will be in Cameroon until the last game,” he said.ENDS