By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The South African Football Association (Safa) and and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are mourning the death of match official Moeketsi Molelekoa who passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Born in Botshabelo in the Free State, Molelekoa was a popular figure in South African and African football criccles after making his PSL debut in 2014.
His refereeing career wasn’t without controversy, though, as he was given a six-week ban alonside Jelly Chavani, in November 2021 for a dubious decision.
Safa’s referee’s review committee found the duo guilty of not acting in accordance with Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game in a match in Durban. In that game between AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs, whistle blower Chavani awarded Amakhosi a penalty in stoppage time, after consulting with his assistant Molelekoa.
However, replays showed that the resultant spot-kick which resulted in Chiefs’ equaliser was in fact not a handball, hence the decision was incorrect.
Since the incident, though, Molelekoa had dusted himself off to become one of the most revered match officials locally, thanks to his impeccable calls and running of the game.
SAFA statement:
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is deeply saddened by the news of FIFA Assistant Referee Max Molelekoa’s passing.
SAFA Head of Referees, Abdul Ebrahim confirmed the news and said Molelekoa passed away after a car accident on Friday (20 January 2023) night.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family at this difficult time.
The refereeing fraternity in South Africa is saddened by this loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Details of his funeral service and other related activities will be conveyed in due course. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.
Meanwhile, DStv Premiership matches taking place over the weekend will observe a moment of silence in honour of the prolific match official, the PSL confirmed on Saturday.