MIDDENDORP RALLIES TROOPS
Chiefs urged to finish the job
PSL referee Eketsang Setloboko, who died on Friday, was described as a humble young boy who was prepared to learn and do everything by the book during his officiating career.
Setloboko was travelling to work with two of his colleagues in his hometown Mount Fletcher when they were involved in a tragic accident that took their lives.
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga visited the area on Tuesday and said there would be a joint official memorial service for the fallen police officers at Kutlwanong township hall in Mount Fletcher.
Safa-Joe Gqabi regional executive coordinator, Sello Ntsoelinyane, who knew Setloboko well, said the 29-yearold match official would be laid to rest in the same township next weekend.
“He was against everything that spoke to corruption, even when he’d get calls from strangers offering him bribes before certain games, he’d call me and let me know what was happening.
“As a region we have lost a good official indeed because there are not many guys who behave the way this young man did.
“And as Safa we’d like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends, they must know that this has affected us all and we share their pain,” said Ntsoelinyane.
Setloboko rose from LFA level ranks to the Fifa's international panel for a year and Ntsoelinyane said he had a bright future in football.
“He started in our LFA as a player. After then he got injured and that affected his football career.
“So he opted to be a match official after being a good soccer player. He started to officiate at an early age and because of his commitment he quickly rose through the ranks.
“He was made an SAB League regional referee coordinator so we’ve also lost an asset and a good person at the association.
“Including the community at large, because this young man was a role model to young guys who also love football.
“He showed our players that one doesn’t have to quit sport if they get injured,” said Ntsoelinyane.
Ntsoelinyane said Setloboko was passionate about football and practised what he believed as an ethical person.
“He did a good job in the Vodacom League [ABC Motsepe League] before he was spotted by national representatives. He also acquired his Caf licence before he became a police officer.
“But his refereeing career also had to take a step back because he started officiating in 2016 and then he got a job at the SA Police Services (SAPS).
“Because there were not many refereeing jobs available for him so he took a job offer at SAPS.
Setloboko had officiated the Absa Premiership Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs that was played at FNB Stadium on October 27.
He also refereed the 2018 MTN8 Cup final between Cape Town City and SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium in September.
A young man who was a role model for young guys who also love football