Namibian referees performing well: Goseb

WINDHOEK, 29 APR – The Manager of the Referees at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Absalom Goseb said the officials have performed exceptionally well in the 2017/18 Namibia Premier League (NPL) season.
Speaking at the handover of the official referees gear at the NFA Technical Centre on Friday, Goseb said no major incidents involving match officials were reported with only two matches remaining in the league.
“I am so proud that this year, our Fifa referees have officiated about 10 international matches. If you are not doing well at that level, they will not appoint you again. But we have proven [that] we are competent.”
He added that in the next African Champions League weekend in two weeks’ time, Namibia will be represented by Jackson Pavaza, Matheus Kanyanga, David Shaanika and Jonas Shongedhi.
Goseb said there will also be a referee’s workshop in Cairo, Egypt on a date to be announced where Namibia will send Nehemiah Shovaleka, Singeve Moses Sem and Vistorina Shangula.
Meanwhile Pavaza called on his colleagues to move with the times and invest in referee communication systems.
“We all know that the only device we had here was stolen, hence we have to borrow from our friends outside the country for international assignments. I urge you to buy this device for yourself as it helps you become a better official,” he said.
The device costs close to N$55 000, and Goseb said he is also working with the Confederation of African Football to acquire one such kit for the match officials.
With regards to women referees, who are currently struggling with game time, Goseb said it is unfortunate that the women’s game is in limbo. This is why women referees have been assigned to the men’s division one and two league matches once they commence.
This, he said, will give the officials the much-needed game time.
During the handing over ceremony, all the 11 International Federation of Football Associations (Fifa) accredited local officials received their official uniforms from the world football governing body.
The match officials each got match officiating gear consisting of short and long sleeve shirts, tracksuits and soccer boots.
Goseb said the uniforms came at the right time as the Namibians were still using attire from last season in both local and international assignments.
NAMPA