EFA REFEREEING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PRODUCES 19 NEW MATCH OFFICIALS
A total of 19 referees from the Lubombo Central Zone have successfully graduated after completing a five-day Refereeing Basic Course held in Siphofaneni last week.
The course was facilitated by respected FIFA-accredited match commissioner Bhala Motsa, who equipped the aspiring referees with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in match officiating. The participants comprised both male and female candidates, with the youngest graduate being a learner from Charles Wesley Primary School. All participants were awarded certificates upon completion.
Speaking during the closing ceremony held at Siphofaneni High School on Saturday, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Referees Committee Chairman Sicelo Nene congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the course. He urged them to apply what they had learned with integrity and professionalism while cautioning them against malpractice.
“For a referee to be successful, there are key things to consider: focus on schoolwork, training, commitment, and discipline. You are warned to stay away from malpractice. I congratulate you all for finishing this course and urge you to go and apply what you have learned,” said Nene.
Nene further expressed his appreciation to Motsa for his dedication, noting that such initiatives make the work of the EFA easier. He added that continuous development activities are an obligation from FIFA and CAF, which require regular capacity-building programmes for commissioners within member associations.
Also addressing the gathering was Lubombo Regional Football Association Vice Chairman Thulani Malaza, who thanked the EFA and Nene for their commitment to improving refereeing standards in the regions.
“We thank the EFA and you, Mr Nene, for your dedication to improving the standard of refereeing through such courses. As the Lubombo Regional Football Association, we promise our full support to this department,” said Malaza.
One of the standout stories from the course was that of 13-year-old Senele Dlamini, a learner at Charles Wesley Primary School in Big Bend, who emerged as one of the youngest graduates.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate at the closing ceremony, Dlamini said his passion for refereeing inspired him to take up the profession instead of playing football.
“I developed a passion for refereeing after watching a football game in Siphofaneni. Driven by that passion, I attended the basic course to equip myself with knowledge about the profession. I am happy to be among the certificate recipients and I promise to work hard,” he said.
The graduation marks another milestone in the EFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen football officiating structures at grassroots and regional levels across the country.