20 Jan 2022

Botswana’s top referee, Joshua “JB” Bondo demonstrated a world-class performance in an AFCON Cup clash between Sudan and Egypt on Wednesday.

The game, which Egypt won 1-0, started at a high tempo, and it was demanding but Bondo proved his mettle and delivered a steady performance, applying laws of the game diligently.

His competence and rational decision making was demonstrated during an incident in the first half, which looked like a harsh tackle. JB did not give a card, probably because the law says intent alone does not constitute a bookable offence.

The player did not make contact with the opponent, despite missing the ball and that alone demonstrated that Bondo was highly alert.

Sunday Standard Sport Editor, Botlhale Koothopile who is also following Bondo’s performance said the referee had a great game, save for one or two moments where many would have felt he was very lenient.

“This was a pressure game for all teams. As expected, it was on the borderline of very physical and there were 'crunchy' tackles here and there, more especially from Sudanese players and their defender Mustafa Mohammed,” he said.

Koothopile said Bondo's leniency and slowness to dish out cards, if it may be viewed such, allowed for teams to have all their 11 players on the field for the entire game.

This, he said, made a great game as both teams had their full repertoire of arsenal for the game, hence giving the supporters value for their money.

Furthermore, Koothopile said considering the magnitude of the game as well as the galaxy of stars on display, he handled the game very well and was never unduly influenced by the petulance of the players.

“He, most of the time, allowed it to flow but was always in control and was very strict with players when he needed to be. It would not be surprising therefore to see him get more games,” he said. Ends