Fufa caution referees ahead of UPL kickoff
Dedicated. Young referee Issa Masembe going through the paces. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- The two-day course facilitated by Caf Instructors An Yan Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius), Felix Tangawarima (Zimbabwe), Constance Catherine Adipo (Uganda), Cherifi Nasradine (Algeria), Pierre Alain Mounguengui (Gabon) and Eddy Maillet (Seychelles) also had the referees go through medical tests at Case Hospital.
KAMPALA. The released delay of StarTimes Uganda Premier League fixtures is the talk of the town even when league organisers maintain that kickoff is tentatively set for September 28.
Over the weekend much focus, however, was geared towards the officiating realm at the physical fitness test of participants under the ‘Caf Young Talent Referees course’ at Mandela National Stadium.
Over 41 participants attended the session that had six Ugandan referees; Shamirah Nabadda, Lydia Nantabo Dick Okello, William Oloya, Ronald Katenya, and Issa Masembe excelling.
Midway last campaign, Fufa constituted a special Commission of Inquiry into match officiating in the Uganda Premier League, Fufa Big League, Uganda Cup, The Fufa Drum, Fufa Juniors League, Fufa Women Elite league and the Fufa Women’s Cup as consistent allegations of bribery and dismal referees performances reached its nadir.
At the end, the commission that was headed by former East Africa Legislative Assembly speaker Daniel Kidega, after summoning notable stakeholders, gathered evidence of corruption and tabled recommendations ahead of the new season.
“Refereeing is a key component in developing the game of football. The best players, the best coaches and the best teams can only be determined using the 17 Laws of football,” revealed Fufa president Moses Magogo at Sheraton Hotel on Saturday.
“We need to have the people to interpret, apply the laws correctly and fairly to all. I urge the young referees to promote fairness when officiating the game and let the best team win.”
The two-day course facilitated by Caf Instructors An Yan Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius), Felix Tangawarima (Zimbabwe), Constance Catherine Adipo (Uganda), Cherifi Nasradine (Algeria), Pierre Alain Mounguengui (Gabon) and Eddy Maillet (Seychelles) also had the referees go through medical tests at Case Hospital.
“Caf decided to prepare such courses to improve on your skills. You should take advantage of attending this course with the best referees on the continent. Endeavor to put into practice what the instructors have trained you,” Caf referees committee member Pierre-Alain Mounguengui advised.
