Malawi referees receive Fifa badges

Some domestic Fifa-recognised international referees received their badges Wednesday amid calls for them to raise their performance and stake their claims on the international stage.

FAM referees sub-committee member Charles Kafatiya and veteran referee trainer Bester Kalombo presented the badges at Sports Council boardroom to referees based in the Southern Region such as Bernadettar Kwimbira, Happiness Mbandambanda, Dennis Ngulube, Feston Kusekuse, Antony Raphael and Grace Msiska.

“Refereeing is becoming more technical. On physical fitness test, we are doing very well, but we still think we have work to do on the application and interpretation of the laws of the game. As a country, we must produce referees that can compete on the international stage,” Kafatiya explained after the ceremony.

It was the first time such a ceremony was held.

Kalombo said such official handing over of the badges was in line with international practices, noting that a similar occasion was also taking place in Uganda around the same time.

The list of others to receive badges includes Jones Makhuwira, Duncan Lengani, Clemence Kanduku, Innocent Kaundula, Hendrix Maseko, Chalvin Ngolanga, Victor Nkhata, Linda Chikuni and Chikondi Mpindo. The referees are drawn from all regions.

FAM referees committee chairperson James Mwenda will present the badges to referees based in the Centre and North at Civo Stadium on Saturday, said FAM referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga on the sidelines of Wednesday’s event.