EFA STRENGTHENS REFEREE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FIFA ASSESSOR COURSE
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) on Monday, 12 October 2026, opened the FIFA Member Association (MA) Referees Assessor Course at Thokoza Church Centre in Mbabane, with FIFA instructor Mr Jerome Damon of South Africa leading the programme aimed at strengthening refereeing standards and developing competent match officials.
Speaking at the opening, EFA Referees Committee Chairman Mr Sicelo Nene expressed appreciation to the EFA and FIFA for providing assessors and match commissioners with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills.
“Assessors and instructors must take this opportunity, grab it, and pass the knowledge on to the referees. The information you acquire in this course must reach the referees at all levels,” said Nene.
He reminded participants of their ongoing monthly and quarterly responsibilities, emphasising that the knowledge gained should translate into practical improvements in referee development across the country.
FIFA Instructor Mr Jerome Damon highlighted the critical role assessors play in improving officiating standards, noting that effective assessment goes beyond identifying mistakes to helping referees make better decisions in future matches.
“Over the next few days we will explore the Laws of the Game, assessment methodologies, video analysis, reporting standards and effective feedback techniques. Our real objective is to develop a common understanding of excellence,” Damon said.
He encouraged participants to engage actively, share their experiences and embrace the opportunity to strengthen their contribution to the game, stressing that investing in assessors is an investment in football’s future.
Officially opening the course, EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu welcomed Damon back to the Kingdom of Eswatini and underscored the importance of assessors in maintaining high standards of officiating.
“Referees’ assessors occupy an important place in the game of football. They serve both as guardians of officiating standards and as mentors to match officials. Through careful observation, fair evaluation and constructive feedback, they help referees improve their decision-making, positioning, fitness, communication and understanding of the Laws of the Game,” Mngomezulu said.
He expressed the Association’s gratitude to FIFA and the FIFA Refereeing Department for their continued investment in referee development, describing this support as a critical pillar in the successful delivery of football competitions.
“A strong referees assessment system is essential to produce competent referees and ensure that the game is played in the true spirit of fairness, discipline and respect. Hosting this course is one of the many activities and programmes earmarked for the refereeing area as a key performance area,” he added.
Mngomezulu also acknowledged the media for its consistent coverage of refereeing development programmes, highlighting its role in promoting transparency and keeping the public informed about efforts to improve match officiating in Eswatini.
On behalf of EFA President Mr Peter Simelane, Mngomezulu formally declared the 2026 FIFA MA Referees Assessor Course open.
The course forms part of the EFA’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s refereeing structures, promote consistency in match assessments and equip officials with the knowledge and skills required to support referees at every level. Through continued collaboration with FIFA, the Association aims to develop high-performing match officials capable of meeting CAF and FIFA standards and representing Eswatini on the international stage.