Cosafa Ref instructor praises Mbotela

COSAFA Referees Manager Felix Tangawarima has heaped praise on Zambia’s teenage referee Raphael ‘FIFA’ Mbotela.

Mbotela, a 17 year old from Kitwe’s Mushili township officiated Monday’s Cosafa Under-17 Girls Championship between Botswana and Namibia.

All eyes were on Mbotela as he impressed the Cosafa officials including Tangawarima.

“I am extremely happy with the performance of the young boy,” the Zimbabwean said

“He did everything right. We had the boy for five days in the pre-tournament course and the bottom line is we are very happy and excited about him.”

Tangawarima, who is also a CAF instructor has been instrumental in the development of referee. He is credited for grooming celebrated Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe.

He gave a then young Kapiri Mposhi referee his first taste of international football in 2008 at the Cosafa Under-20 Championship.

“We will assign an Instructor in Zambia to continue developing him. I urge other national associations to identify and develop these youngsters as well.”

Mbotela rose to stardom this year after images emerged on social media with him refereeing a friendly match between Forest Rangers and Zesco United.

During weekends, he is usually spotted refereeing Sunday leagues on the Copperbelt especially Kitwe and Ndola.