EFA REFEREES INSTRUCTORS POISED FOR COSAFA OPPORTUNITIES AFTER SEMINAR

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has successfully concluded its four-day Referees Instructors’ Seminar, which ended on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the EFA Technical Centre in Lobamba. The intensive programme was facilitated by renowned FIFA, CAF and COSAFA Refereeing Instructor, Mr Felix Tangawarima of Zimbabwe, as part of the Association’s continued commitment to strengthening refereeing standards in the country.

The seminar brought together EFA Referees Instructors and Assessors for an advanced training programme aimed at enhancing their technical knowledge, instructional methods and assessment skills. Throughout the course, participants engaged in rigorous classroom sessions, practical exercises and assessments designed to equip them with the latest refereeing education methodologies.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr Ezrome Dlamini described the seminar as one of the most demanding yet rewarding programmes they have attended.

“We’ve never had such an important course. It was one of the toughest courses that we’ve ever had,” said Dlamini. “The knowledge and skills we have acquired will go a long way in improving the development of referees across the country.”

EFA Referees Committee Chairperson, Mr Sicelo Nene, commended the Association’s leadership for prioritising referee development despite financial constraints. He congratulated the participants for successfully completing the programme and highlighted the critical role qualified instructors and assessors play in raising the standard of officiating in Eswatini.

“We are investing in the people who will shape the next generation of referees. Their contribution is essential if we are to consistently improve the quality of officiating at all levels of our game,” said Nene.

Course instructor Mr Felix Tangawarima praised the participants for their dedication and willingness to learn. He described the seminar as the beginning of a new era for referee education in Eswatini and revealed that the programme had enabled him to identify individuals with the potential to serve at regional level.

“I am glad to say that there are some instructors I have actually picked, and I have promised that before the end of the year you will see one or two of them being called to do duty at COSAFA,” Tangawarima said.

He encouraged the participants to continue investing in their personal development while sharing the knowledge gained with referees across the country.

Closing the seminar, EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu thanked Mr Tangawarima for delivering a high-quality programme and acknowledged his valuable contribution to the development of refereeing in Eswatini.

He urged the participants to translate the knowledge acquired into practical improvements within their respective regions, emphasising that the Association remains committed to investing in referee education as a key pillar of football development.

“The growth of our game depends on the quality of our match officials. We therefore remain committed to providing opportunities that enhance the capacity of our referees, instructors and assessors so that Eswatini continues to produce officials capable of competing at the highest level,” said Mngomezulu.

The successful completion of the seminar marks another significant milestone in the EFA’s efforts to build a strong refereeing structure capable of producing competent instructors, assessors and match officials who can meet both national and international standards.