Chris Theko
The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) President Advocate Salemane Phafane (KC) is to return to the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) ranks to serve in the disciplinary committee following a recommendation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
LeFA Information Officer Mikia Kalati, confirmed the developments following the release of a statement on the same.
“LeFA president Advocate Salemane Phafane (KC), has been recommended by CAF to serve in yet another important position in the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA,†the statement read.
Meanwhile, Kalati explained that the president is yet to respond because he is currently doing background checks.
“When he is done with the background issues and finally confirms his desire to take the post, a letter of appointment will now be drafted and he will then start his duties in the committee. He is going to accept it, is just a matter of background issues,†Kalati said.
It will not be the first assignment for Phafane serving football at the highest level, as he has in the past served as the FIFA legal committee member from 2006 to 2011. He has also served as the Confederations of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) vice president for two terms beginning 2008 to 2011 and 2011 to 2015.
Upon a recommendation by the continental football body, FIFA will coopt them into the committee depending on whether or not they accept the recommendation.
Phafane will be part of the committee that will commence its duties this month and will run its term until 2025 making it a four-year term.
According to Kalati the recommendation is made based on the individual’s educational qualification.
“The appointment is based on one’s qualifications and it is not his first appointment in the FIFA racks having served as a legal committee member,†he said.
Phafane said that the recommendation simply says he has been doing something right as a professionally as a leader.
“This simply translates that there is something that Lesotho Football and I as a leader has been doing right. Out of about 200 countries of the world and many qualified lawyers, I have been recommended,†Phafane said.
“Good governance by the association that I lead is what has attracted the attention on me as a leader and this is a great achievement for the country.
“I am honoured and touched that they have recommended me,†he said.
Phafane holds a Diploma in Law (1982), a Bachelor of Arts in Law (1985) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (1987) all from the National University of Lesotho and has practiced as a lawyer since 1987. It was in 2008 when he was conferred with the King’s Counsel honour by His Majesty the King Letsie III.
