By Llywellenie Mpasa:
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Referees Sub-committee Chairperson Patrick Kapanga has lauded the five-day Fifa Member Associations (MA) Elite Referees’ Course as vital in levelling the playing field.
Kapanga was speaking at Mpira Palace in Chiwembe, Blantyre, on Monday after 35 elite referees started undergoing the course, which is aimed at equipping them with the latest trends in officiating, including the introduction of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) technology.
Kapanga said the exercise is crucial for enhancing the quality of officiating in the domestic leagues and preparing local referees for international assignments.
- Advertisement -
“The introduction of VAR technology is a game-changer, a crucial facet for the development of football. It is imperative that our referees are well-versed in its application,” Kapanga said.
- Advertisement -
The training also serves as a selection process, with the results determining which referees will be added to the Fifa list for 2025.
Kapanga said the exercise is a significant opportunity for Malawi to enhance its representation in international football.
The Fifa MA Elite Referees’ Course is part of Fam’s broader strategy to improve football standards in Malawi and align with global best practices.
This initiative follows the recent announcement by Fifa to expand the use of VAR to more countries, making it essential for referees in Malawi to be proficient in its use.
- Advertisement -
The course is being facilitated by Fifa instructors, Ali Muhammad from Somalia and Ephraim Mark Mzengo from Malawi.
Mzengo said the training is not only about understanding VAR but also about improving overall fitness and decision-making skills on the field.
“By incorporating VAR in this training, we are positioning our referees to be compliant with international standards. This will increase their chances of being selected for officiating roles in major tournaments,” Mzengo said.
One of the participants, Godfrey Nkhakananga, who is already VAR-compliant, applauded Fam’s proactive approach in training its referees so that the country remains competitive on the international stage.
He said the knowledge gained from the course is expected to elevate the standards of officiating in the country, benefitting both local leagues and Malawi
“This training is a game-changer for us. It equips us with the necessary skills to handle high-stakes matches with confidence and precision,” Nkhakananga said.
