Young Alex ref makes big strides

Just like Zakhele Siwela, Alex has a new Fifa international referee in the making, and he goes by the name of Lesego Nkosi.

The 10-year-old Nkosi is a Grade 6 pupil at Ekukhanyisweni Primary School, who plies his trade as a referee in the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association leagues.

A talented and versatile former footballer who played for United Stars in various positions before being influenced by the achievements of his uncle, Siwela, to take up refereeing, Nkosi is now making big strides in his new career.

“I decided to hang up my boots as a striker, right back and right winger for my team to take up refereeing. I was influenced by the achievements of my uncle, who is also my mentor,” he said.

Nkosi last played a match for Stars in June when he took up refereeing as a full-time career. “I don’t regret having quit playing soccer to take up refereeing as my passion has changed,” Nkosi said.

“The more I saw my uncle reffing various games, including Fifa matches, my passion for it grew and I asked him to give me some tips before I could try it in my first match.”

Six months as a referee today, there is no turning back for Nkosi, who was chosen to blow the whistle in the festival game to mark the end of the season between season winners, Alex Royal Tigers and runners-up, Alex Young Lions.

“I hope to grow into my uncle’s shoes and become a top Fifa international referee one day. I always admire his skills and the ability to control the game,” Nkosi said.

Besides idolising his uncle, Nkosi also mimicked the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and the Orlando Pirates pair of Andile Jali and Thabo Rakhale during his playing days.

“I love refereeing as it puts me in charge and I get to control all 22 players on the field,” said Nkosi who, at 10 years of age, has the football world as his oyster.