Africa-Press – South-Sudan. At least three South Sudanese female referees have been recognised by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) as international female referees.
Elizabeth Silvestro emerged as the first-ever South Sudanese female central referee, Jane Charles as the first assistant referee, and Josephine Martin became the second assistant referee.
The three are currently taking part in officiating the ongoing 2021–2022 South Sudan Cup (SSCUP) and are expected to go regional.
Currently, South Sudan has only three international centre referees. They include Alier Michael James, Ring Nyier Akeck Molong, and Elizabeth Gisma Silvester Louis, who has just been added.
There are also about six assistant referees, including Jane Charles Ladu Costantino and Josephine Bangu Martin, who have just been added. Among the others are Gasim Madir Dehiya, Duwuki Robert Henry, and George Primato.
During a meeting with the group at its headquarters in Juba, SSFA Vice President Charles Udwar hailed the three-match officials for making the country proud.
“As SSFA, we are happy for you. You people have made us proud, as well as the whole country. I wish you all the best in your new job and we hope you will continue to raise the flag of South Sudan high,” Mr Udwar said.
The SSFA Vice President encouraged the trio to work harder and be more professional.
“We will be happy and continue to celebrate your achievement when we see internationals officiating international matches.”
Josephine Martin, who spoke on behalf of the match officials, thanked the South Sudan Football Association for their tireless support toward their achievement; saying without it would not have been easy for them to appear on FIFA’s list.
Josephine reiterated their commitment to working hard to ensure their professional performance is at its best to make the country proud.
The three South Sudanese female international referees are expected to officiate an upcoming match between Tanzania and Botswana in Dar es Salaam in March this year and be the first female referees from South Sudan to officiate an international game.
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