Namibian refereeing on the right path Namibian refereeing has the right combination for progression and will help the game of football evolve for the better and officials are ready to work whenever the new football season commences.These are the sentiments of FIFA Referees Instructor, Felix Tangawarima who conducted the five-day FIFA Member Association Referees Course at Football House in Windhoek.
The course which focused at the amendments to the Laws of the Game 2016/2017 started off on Sunday last week with a fitness test at the Independence Stadium and proceeded with theoretical and practical sessions at Football House.
At the closing of the course on Thursday afternoon, Tangawarima expressed satisfaction with the discipline of Namibian referees and the right combination of people which can only augur well for progression.
“I’m glad to see that you have a good number of experienced and inexperience people in this group. I see some 19 and 20-year-olds which is very good because it means that for many more years to come, you will have good referees. Their technical and theoretical ability is very promising and with the right support, Namibia will remain blessed with referees,” said Tangawarima.
The renowned referee instructor called on the whistle men to remain disciplined at all times and ensure the right communication of the changes to the laws of the game.
“ Players and club officials need to read and understand these new rules as well as how they impact on how you officiate and I trust the NFA will channel it through to all stakeholders so that its works smoothly. Do not officiate at games that are not sanctioned by the NFA as you are representing the association. Remain professionals. You are not politicians but technical people,” Tangawarima cautioned.
NFA secretary-general, Barry Rukoro echoed the call and added that the referees must aim higher. “Go home and work hard on something you think is your special ability within refereeing, train hard, stand out. Our game can only be as good as our referees. Remain on top of the game and I challenge the senior colleagues to open doors for others coming up for the AFCON and World Cup selections. It only strengthens our credibility. We had 10 FIFA referees some years back now we have six. Let’s fill those spots and even increase as well,” Rukoro stressed.
Sports Reporter