EFA LAUNCHES FOUR-DAY REFEREES INSTRUCTORS’ SEMINAR TO STRENGTHEN OFFICIATING STANDARDS
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has officially launched the 2026 Referees Instructors Seminar at the Lobamba Technical Centre, reaffirming its commitment to developing highly qualified match officials and strengthening refereeing standards across the country.
The four-day seminar, taking place from 20–23 July 2026, is facilitated by renowned FIFA and CAF Refereeing Instructor, as well as COSAFA Referees Manager, Mr Felix Tangawarima. The programme has brought together 20 Eswatini Referees Instructors, who will undergo intensive training aimed at enhancing their technical expertise, updating their knowledge of the latest interpretations of the Laws of the Game, and strengthening their ability to mentor and develop referees at all levels of the game.
Officially opening the seminar, EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu welcomed the participants and expressed the Association’s appreciation to Mr Tangawarima for accepting the invitation to facilitate the course.
Mr Mngomezulu reaffirmed that referee development remains one of the Association’s strategic priorities, noting that the EFA is committed to producing world-class male and female match officials by investing in their development from an early age.
“Our vision is to build a strong refereeing structure that nurtures talented officials from as young as 13 years old and prepares them to officiate at the highest levels of the game,” he said.
He described the Referees Instructors Seminar as a vital component of that long-term strategy, emphasizing that developing elite referees requires patience, consistency, and sustained investment in education and mentorship.
“Success will not come overnight, but through the commitment of our instructors and the continued support of the Eswatini Football Association, we are confident that this programme will significantly improve the standard of refereeing in our country,” he added, before wishing participants a fruitful and rewarding seminar.
Facilitator Mr Felix Tangawarima commended the Eswatini Football Association for prioritising the continuous development of its Referees Instructors, describing the initiative as a critical investment in the future of football officiating.
He highlighted that instructors play a pivotal role in identifying, nurturing, and developing the next generation of referees, stressing that the quality of instruction directly influences the quality of officiating on the field.
Mr Tangawarima also referenced the achievements of internationally recognised Eswatini referee Letticia Vianna, noting that her success serves as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring match officials.
“Instructors have the responsibility of shaping future referees. Through quality education and effective mentorship, they can help produce more officials capable of reaching the highest levels of international football,” he said.
He expressed confidence that by the conclusion of the seminar, participants would have significantly improved their referee training methodologies, presentation techniques, and report-writing skills, equipping them to deliver more impactful referee education programmes throughout Eswatini.
The seminar forms part of the Eswatini Football Association’s broader strategy to strengthen technical capacity within football and ensure that referees across all competitions benefit from high-quality instruction aligned with FIFA and CAF standards.