SHARPEVILLE.-  Lineo Ralitsa (35) from Tshepiso Phase 3 is one of the few female referees in Sedibeng that are destined for a great future.

She started refereeing in 2019 after one of the veteran female referees, Mantshadi Kola introduced her to a local referees administrator, Jack Leboko. Her breakthrough in refereeing came when, Jack Leboko recommended her to train with the PSL referee Victor Hlungwane. Ralitsa’s passion for football started at a young age playing football in Lesotho before she came to Sedibeng.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Ralitsa said her biggest dream is to see herself officiating in professional football and travel the world.

“I was encouraged by my coach in Lesotho to take refereeing as my career because of my passion for football. I was very lucky to meet honest people like Mantshadi Kolo, Jack Leboko , Victor Hlungwane and other referees who helped me to grow in refereeing. They showed me ropes in refereeing and most importantly they told me not to give up regardless of the challenges, ” she told Sedibeng Ster Sport.