13 graduate as football referees

Thirteen referees on Thursday completed a beginners course that was conducted by the country’s sole female Fifa referees instructor Ella Banda at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe.

Banda said she was impressed with the level of commitment shown by the participants who comprised six women and seven male trainee referees.

“Their level of commitment was very encouraging, they were very committed and I have no doubt that they will perform to the expected standards,” she said.

She added: “I just want to encourage more ladies to take up refereeing.”

According to Banda, the course ran for 17 days and covered all the 17 laws of the game.

She said their first step will be to officiate lower leagues.

One of the participants Zebron Lengani, described the course as highly beneficial.

“We have learnt a lot on refereeing and we are ready for the task,” said Lengani.