We are proud to profile another strong and powerful woman that we have worked closely with in our IBL Rural Development programme, Maneo Tau. Mme Maneo Tau was born on 25 August 1991 in Botshabelo and grew up in Thaba Nchu. She attended and matriculated at Goronyane Secondary School in Thaba Nchu where she played both boys and girls football. She joined Thaba Nchu Local Football Association in 2010 as a match official (Referee) and officiated IBL Leagues from September 2010 till 2016 when she was promoted to FIFA Level. She joined the National First Division league panel in 2016 and in the same year she joined the FIFA panel as an Assistant Referee. We are soon going to see her in South Africa’s top flight football, once she completes her current promotional training. Among her many accolades she was awarded as the Best Referee in the IBL league in 2016 and in 2017 she was awarded the Best Woman in Sport from the IBL soccer league. She was promoted to FIFA, making her the second female referee to represent South Africa at that level. The IBL Rural Development League has seen over 400 male and female teams compete for the IBL honours. Mme Maneo Tau has been very instrumental in the development of the sport and she has been a great influence to many young athletes that look up to her. Our gratitude goes to SAFA and Mr. Lehlohonolo Maduna for the sterling work they are doing for our youth and most importantly to our loyal passengers who make it possible for IBL to plough back to our community. We are immensely humbled by all who participate in this space. IBL – Ya Rona!