SOCCER – Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane has expressed confidence in the country’s referees following the successful completion of a week-long FIFA refereeing course.
Simelane said the training provided match officials with valuable practical experience and renewed confidence ahead of the new football season.
The EFA president described referees as FIFA’s ‘Team Number 1’, highlighting their important role in ensuring the smooth running and development of the game.
“It is a great privilege and honour as the President of Eswatini Football Association to express a few remarks at this closing ceremony to decorate our referees, which at FIFA, have been christened ‘Team Number 1’,” Simelane said.
He commended the FIFA experts for their commitment throughout the course, which included both theoretical sessions and practical exercises aimed at sharpening the referees’ skills.
Simelane said he was encouraged by the confidence displayed by the officials at the end of the programme, believing they were now better prepared to take charge of matches when the new season gets underway.
“I already see a group of referees that are beaming with confidence after a week of hard work; referees that are ready to hit the football field running, to officiate in our matches,” he said.
The EFA president further outlined the association’s continued efforts to strengthen refereeing in the country. He revealed that a Referees Instructor Course and Evaluation had been held in July, with instructors expected to play a key role in the continued development and assessment of match officials at different levels.
Simelane also highlighted the association’s growing use of technology to support referees, including improved communication between match officials and video coverage to assist with performance assessments.
He encouraged the referees to remain confident and committed to their responsibilities, stressing that their contribution was central to improving the standard of football in the country.
The EFA president also thanked FIFA for its continued investment in refereeing development, while appreciating the refereeing department, facilitators and media houses for contributing to the success of the programme.
He wished the FIFA experts a safe journey home and encouraged the referees to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice as the season approaches.
