By Vinjeru Ngwira
With a triumphant finale, the five-day Young Referees Course, conducted as part of the Women’s Football League Development Programme, concluded today across three regions in Malawi. This crucial initiative was meticulously designed to prepare youthful referees for their roles in officiating matches within the FIFA/FAM Under 14 and Under 16 Girls Leagues.
A total of 105 enthusiastic young referees, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years, participated actively in the training sessions held in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu. The initiative brought together the football fervor of the southern, central, and northern regions, underscoring the unity and dedication towards advancing the sport.
In the Northern region, the course was successfully conducted at Luwinga Youth Development Center. Over a span of five days, 35 aspiring referees hailing from various areas, including Mzimba, NkhataBay, Chitipa, Rumphi, Karonga, and Mzuzu City, underwent comprehensive training. This intensive program not only imparted valuable knowledge but also nurtured their ability to officiate with precision and self-assurance.
Tengani Ngosi, one of the participants, expressed her delight and gratitude for the training. She emphasized how the course has equipped her with valuable insights and skills, instilling in her the confidence to adeptly handle the complexities of football and its intricacies in the context of officiation.
Mr. Fred Kholopa, FAM Referees Manager representing the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), expressed his satisfaction with the course’s successful conclusion. He underscored the significance of equipping young referees with essential skills, enabling them to make unbiased and well-informed decisions during matches. This, in turn, elevates the overall quality and integrity of women’s football within the nation.
Piason Kamanga, the General Secretary for Referees from the Northern Region Referees Association, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the pivotal role of such training initiatives in imparting knowledge and expertise to young referees. Such efforts play a crucial part in enhancing the standards of football officiating across Malawi.
The conclusion of the Young Referees Course marks a significant stride in the advancement of women’s football and underscores Malawi’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent. As participants carry forward their newfound skills, their positive influence promises to shape the country’s football landscape, aligning with its vision for a prosperous future in sports.