By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Thirty referees are currently undergoing a five-day training in physique and technique at the National Stadium. The referees have been drawn from elite and intermediate categories from across the country.
The training which started on Monday is geared towards preparing them physically and mentally for competitions like the Sierra Leone Premiere League and FIFA accredited games; FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
A statement from the Sierra Leone FA on Monday said: “The training is meant to upgrade and refresh referees in Sierra Leone in other to be prepared for not only the country’s premier league but also international assignments including class ‘A’ matches (FIFA and AFCON qualifying matches).”
The first half of the last Sierra Leone Premier League season was marred by controversial refereeing, a situation which at times provoked violence against referees and among fans.
The training started with physical fitness tests which 26 of the referees passed. The FA Referees coordinator, Mohamed Gwen Freeman, said he was “so delighted to see an unprecedented number of 26, out of 30 passing the physical fitness test this morning,” according to a report by the Sierra Leone Football Association on Monday.
Two instructors from the world governing body, FIFA, Ali Mohamed Ahmed from Somalia and Mark Ephraim Emzengo, will be working with the referees over the coming days.
The course is expected to end on Friday with a certification ceremony at the National Stadium in Freetown.
© 2019 Politico Online
