EFA EYES INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSIGNMENTS THROUGH REFEREE DEVELOPMENT
BY THEMBA ZWANE MBABANE - The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is targeting improved readiness among local match officials for international football assignments, with the hosting of a FIFA-supported referees assessors course aimed at strengthening the quality of referee evaluation and professional development. The Member Association (MA) Referees Assessors Course officially opened at Thokoza in Mbabane on Monday, October 12, 2026, with FIFA expert Jerome Damon leading the training programme.
Speaking on behalf of EFA President Peter 'Samora' Simelane, the association's Secretary General, Frederick Mngomezulu, said the course was expected to help produce more competent referees for domestic competitions and better-prepared officials for international assignments. Mngomezulu said the development of referees' assessors was central to improving officiating standards, protecting the integrity of competitions and preparing Eswatini match officials to operate at higher levels of the game.
The course focuses on strengthening the people responsible for evaluating referees and guiding their professional growth, recognising that the quality of assessment has a direct role in identifying weaknesses and improving match-day performance. "Referees' assessors are guardians of officiating standards and mentors to match officials," Mngomezulu said.
He explained that assessors help referees improve their decision-making, positioning, fitness, communication and understanding of the Laws of the Game. The EFA believes that strengthening these areas will contribute to more consistent officiating and help local match officials meet the demands of increasingly competitive football.
Mngomezulu welcomed FIFA expert Damon to Eswatini, expressing confidence that his experience and expertise would make a lasting contribution to the development of local assessors. He also thanked FIFA for its continued investment in refereeing development, describing it as a critical pillar in the successful delivery of football competitions.
The programme forms part of the EFA's broader refereeing development agenda, which identifies officiating standards as a key priority in advancing the professionalism of football in the country. Beyond training, the association is also exploring ways to improve the tools available to referees.
Mngomezulu revealed that communication gadgets had already been introduced, with further consideration being given to technologies that could enhance accuracy, consistency and professionalism. The move reflects the association's recognition that referee development requires both qualified personnel and appropriate support systems to help officials discharge their duties effectively.
Mngomezulu urged participants to engage fully with the FIFA expert and translate the lessons learned into measurable improvements in referee assessment and development. The EFA expects the course to strengthen the capacity of assessors to provide meaningful guidance to referees, improve the quality of domestic match officiating and contribute to preparing officials for opportunities beyond the country's borders.
He further acknowledged the media for covering the course and other refereeing development initiatives, noting that such coverage helps inform the public, promote transparency and highlight efforts to raise football standards. The course's opening signals the EFA's continued focus on building a stronger refereeing structure, with assessors expected to play a key role in developing match officials capable of handling the demands of domestic and international football.