BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President, Peter Simelane, officially closed the FIFA Member Association (MA) Referees Assessor Course 2026 at Thokoza Church Centre in Mbabane on Friday, 16 October 2026.
The five-day programme, facilitated by FIFA Instructor Jerome Damon of South Africa, focused on enhancing participants’ competencies in referee assessment, performance evaluation and the development of match officials in Eswatini.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Simelane underscored the importance of assessors in maintaining the integrity of football and improving refereeing standards.
“Refereeing is one of the most critical pillars of football. Equally important is the role of the referees’ assessor, whose responsibility is not simply to evaluate, but to help match officials improve with confidence and consistency. Excellent refereeing is shaped by assessors who evaluate honestly, mentor patiently and uphold the highest standards of the game,” he said.
He reminded participants that their certification carried a responsibility to translate the knowledge acquired into meaningful support for referees across all levels of the game.
“This certification is recognition of your commitment, but it is also a call to service. Observe with fairness, speak with wisdom, and mentor with patience and purpose,” Simelane added.
The EFA President also acknowledged the media for its continued coverage of football development initiatives, highlighting its role in informing the public and showcasing progress in football education.
FIFA Instructor Jarome Damon congratulated the participants on their dedication and willingness to learn, noting that their commitment throughout the programme was encouraging for the future of refereeing in Eswatini.
“What has impressed me most is the sheer commitment to excellence displayed throughout this course. The future of refereeing in Eswatini will not be determined solely by talented referees, but by the quality of the people who guide, mentor and develop them,” Damon said.
He challenged the newly certified assessors to uphold professionalism and fairness while providing constructive feedback that helps referees improve their performance.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, FIFA and CAF referee Letticia Viana thanked FIFA and the EFA for investing in their development, describing the course as an eye-opening experience.
“It is no use for referees to keep advancing while assessors are left behind. These five days have been an eye-opener. We now understand where we were falling short, and we have improved,” Viana said.
She also expressed appreciation to Damon for sharing his expertise and creating a supportive learning environment that encouraged participants to learn and grow.
Emphasising the significance of their responsibility, Viana noted that assessors must approach their work with the intention of developing referees rather than merely identifying mistakes.
“Our role is never to catch a referee out, but always to pull them up. The game cannot start without a referee. However, the game cannot grow without an assessor,” she said.
The successful completion of the FIFA MA Referees Assessor Course marks another step in the EFA’s efforts to strengthen refereeing structures, promote consistency in match assessments and improve the performance of match officials in line with CAF and FIFA standards.
Through continued investment in technical education and capacity building, the Association aims to establish a stronger support system for referees and ensure that the development of those responsible for assessing match officials keeps pace with the demands of the modern game
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