Africa-Press – Eswatini. Former South Africa top Referee Jerome Damon is in Eswatini for the International Association Football Federation (FIFA) Member Association (MA) Refereeing Course.
The five-day course, which started yesterday, attracted 22 referee assessors. It is held at Thokoza Conference Centre in Mbabane. Opening the ceremony on behalf of Eswatini Football Association (EFA) president was executive member Steve Horton.
Noticeable
Also present was EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu. Noticeable faces were Referee Manager Sifiso Zondo, retired referee Mbongeni Shongwe, Gilbert Dlamini, to mention a few.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Horton said they were looking to exploit some of the new technologies. “Such courses contribute to the improved standard of refereeing in the country. We want competent referees,” said Horton. Meanwhile, FIFA Instructor, Damon said this course was meant to build on what assessors already knew.
pruning
“This course will be like pruning and we hope for good fruits from the assessors. We hope they will impart this knowledge to the referees,” said Damon. “It seeks to improve the standard of refereeing, upskill them with new information and help them to be better,” he said. He said Eswatini held a special place in his heart because he started his career here. “The first major tournament I was officiating was in 2003. It was CAF Under-17s, which was played in Eswatini. I grew up the ranks until I reached this position of instructor,” he said.
evaluate
Sharing advice on upcoming referees, who want to be FIFA-accredited, he said they must evaluate their work; look where they can improve; and how they can better themselves. “They must be passionate,” he said. He then highlighted that he knew one local referee who possessed these traits. “Letticia Viana is always working hard. She is giving back to the game. I wish her all the best, and urge referees to copy her traits,” he said.
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