SAFA head of referees on match official readiness for the season
The head of referees at SAFA Abdul Ebrahim has reflected on the readiness of match officials following the pre-season workshop that concluded last week.
Over 123 match officials, match commissioners and instructors participated in the workshop. All officials at the workshop ran a category one fitness test.
The 2024/25 season has already commenced with two MTN8 fixtures last weekend. This weekend will see Sekhukhune United host Cape Town City FC. Mamelodi Sundowns will host Polokwane City FC on Sunday.
“At our recently completed National workshops in Pretoria, all the match officials were provided with explanations and understanding of the new laws of the game amendments, new considerations to identify challenges, handball & offside and new FIFA concepts in refereeing in line with current worldwide trends,” Ebrahim explained to FARPost.
HOW READY ARE THE MATCH OFFICIALS AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON?
“We are always very confident that we have provided all the match officials with all the necessary tools they need for high level officiating,” he said.
“But we are confident at the start of every season that our match officials can and will deliver.
“We now wait and see how well they carry this information into their officiating. We are not just confident at the start of this season.”
Without revealing the names, Ebrahim also confirmed that there are those who did not pass the fitness tests. He also explains the way forward for the affected match officials.
“Unfortunately there were match officials who were unsuccessful. But for them, we will provide another opportunity in 6 to 7 weeks time to rerun the tests,” he added.
“During this time, they need to ensure that they resolve any injury problems so that they can be successful in the rerun and in so doing, give themselves the opportunity to be re-considered for the National Panel.”
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