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By Joe Apu
In preparation for the upcoming FIBA Africa Zone Three 3×3 Tour in Accra, Ghana, the basketball governing body for the region, FIBA Africa Zone Three, will host a specialized 3×3 referees clinic today.
The event is organised under the leadership of Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), in partnership with Dreals Paris.
The one-day clinic, scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium, aims to equip referees with the latest officiating knowledge and practical tools essential for the fast-paced 3×3 basketball format. A maximum of 12 referees, drawn from the eight participating countries in Zone Three — Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Niger Republic, Nigeria, and Togo — are expected to take part.
Leading the training will be Joseph Mayo Botele, an elite 3×3 referee with over a decade of experience from the French Basketball Federation. Originally from Cameroon, Botele brings a wealth of international expertise and a passion for developing refereeing talent across Africa.
“This clinic is not only about learning the rules,” said Botele. “It’s about building confidence, consistency, and excellence in officiating to help Africa shine on the global basketball stage.”
The referees trained during the clinic will go on to officiate games at the 3×3 Tour during the upcoming Festac Festival, where they will put their newly acquired skills into action.
Organisers say the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance officiating standards and build capacity within African basketball, in alignment with FIBA’s global development objectives.
