The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has urged newly trained referees in Dedza District to avoid being team supporters in order to maintain professionalism in their officiating duties.
The advice came from referees instructor Williams Chikontha at the conclusion of a district-level referees training program.
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Chikontha emphasized that referees compromise their integrity whenever they show allegiance to specific teams. “We urge them to be real professionals every time they are working for the betterment of the game in their localities,” he said.
District Sports Officer Janet Makawa commended FAM for the initiative, noting it addresses the shortage of qualified referees in the district. “It has come at the right time when people are complaining about the quality of officiating in the district, and I believe the trained referees will bring a difference,” she said.
Raul Ibrahim Yoyola, leader of the trainees, emphasized the importance of working in line with officiating guidelines across all competitions in the district. Fellow participant Joseph Kamowa from Bembeke zone reaffirmed his commitment to upholding professional ethics without being influenced by external factors.
Straus Magwaza, General Secretary of the Dedza District referees committee, said officials will monitor the referees to ensure they meet expected standards. “We have been lacking this kind of course in the district, and we applaud the country’s FA for the initiative,” he said.
However, Magwaza expressed concern about the absence of female participants during the training. “We really wanted to have female referees during this course, but those who showed interest failed to show up due to transportation problems,” he revealed.
A total of 19 referees completed the training and are awaiting exam results before receiving their certificates.
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