BY BONGUMENZI MLOTSA
MBABANE– Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has partnered with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to host the FIFA MA Refereeing Course in Mbabane. With an aim to develop referees in the country, this course was officially opened by EFA President, Mr. Peter Simelane, at the Thokoza Church Centre.
During the opening ceremony, FIFA Instructor Mr Celestine Ntagungira commended the EFA for its dedication to developing referees. “The presence of the EFA President is an indication that the football association is committed to developing referees,” Ntagungira said. He, along with Mr Bento Navesse from Mozambique, is facilitating this course which encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects.
“This is an integrated training as the participants will learn the theory and then apply it in the field during practical sessions,” Ntagungira explained. The course aims to monitor participants and identify potential referees to recommend to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It includes the evaluation of various topics related to the laws of the game.
With great anticipation, the course is set to conclude on Friday. As aspiring referees hone their skills, the football community in Eswatini eagerly awaits the positive impact this training will have on the country’s refereeing standards.
