By Llywellenie Mpasa
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has appealed to referees to work towards enhancing quality and fairness in their decision-making during matches.
Fam Referees Subcommittee chairperson Rashid Ntelera made the appeal during the opening ceremony of a five-day Fifa-supported elite refereeing course at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
The course has assembled 30 elite referees from across the country.
Nterera said Fam is committed towards helping the match officials in reducing errors as they discharge their duties.
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“We are dedicated towards ensuring the highest level of accuracy in refereeing decisions. The initiative aims at minimising controversies and upholding the spirit of fair play in every football match in the country. This underscores the importance we place on refining referees’ skills in officiating games,” he said.
Ntelera, who is also a Fam executive committee member, highlighted the pivotal role that referees play within the game.
“It is therefore important that we continue training the referees and help them adapt to the ever-evolving laws of football. Referees must possess a deep understanding of these laws if our game is to continue developing. Our aim is to boost their confidence in executing their roles effectively,” he said.
South Africa-based Fifa Referees Technical Instructor Carlos Henriques is the course’s lead facilitator.
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Henriques said the annual refresher course is a mandatory Fifa programme designed to elevate referees’ skills, ensuring they remain on top of the game.
“We want them to have confidence in themselves. We understand the importance of refining their abilities, helping them influence match outcomes positively and upholding the highest standards of football.
“We recognise the importance of refining referees’ capabilities, enabling them to positively influence match outcomes and uphold the highest standards of football,” he said.
One of the participants, Grade One referee Rose Zimba from Mzuzu, said the course is helpful.
“We anticipate a reduction in errors during matches after this course. We are fully committed to enhancing our performance and making a positive contribution to football,” Zimba said.
