Sihlangu, refereeing, coaching programmes
Gday dear reader. Currently we are in the first FIFA International Week for 2023 in as far as the football calendar is concerned.
The Senior Men’s National Team Sihlangu is competing in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 Qualifiers. As I develop this column, Sihlangu is in Cape Verde having left the country on Monday by road to Johannesburg where they boarded a plane to Lome, Togo and connected to Cape Verde. With the second leg to be played at the Mbombela Stadium in three days time, the is no time to rest as the national team must be on the plane today and switch on for the second leg against Cape Verde. The captain of the national team, Lindo Mkhonta, and Kwakhe Thwala will be available for selection for the second leg which is a boost in the Sihlangu camp, considering the international experience that these players possess as they have played for the national team before and against stronger opponents. With yesterday’s match being broadcast live and the return leg to be broadcast live, one hopes that the players utilise this opportunity and market themselves very well. Having more players getting international contracts can enhance the performance of the national team.
OOD Refereeing Development Programme
The elite referees in the country will this weekend participate in two football development programmes. Today, they will participate in the Medical Workshop to be held at Sigwaca House in Mbabane. This event will commence at 8am. Medical issues are very important in the sport and these are not matters for the medical personnel of the various football teams, but they also involve other stakeholders and referees are key as they manage the games. As per FIFA’s Medical Committee, whose aim is to protect and improve the health of all who play football, from grassroots to elite levels worldwide; the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Medical Committee is also working around the clock in implementing same. In order to realise this, the involvement of other stakeholders is vital. Referees are the ones who make crucial decisions during a football match. It is important for them to always be on top of their game, thus the significance for them to have that first hand information in as far as medical issues are concerned. Football being a contact sport, referees are expected to protect the players from dangerous play at all times and in doing so; they are protecting the lives and careers of football players. If this is the case, then football is being promoted as a health activity.
It is not only the players in the field of play that can be injured during the matches, but the referees themselves. They must also be in a position to manage themselves healthwise in order to enhance their performance as well. They must always be psychologically and physically fit; thus, the importance of being knowledgeable on medical issues in as far as the refereeing is concerned. Talking of being psychological and physical fit on the refereeing perspective, the EFA will tomorrow execute the physical fitness test at the Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini. This event will commence at 7am. This is an important exercise as referees are expected to perform as per the FIFA Refereeing Standard at all times.
Basic Coaching Course
The application to be a participant for the EFA Basic Coaching Course is still open. The application form can be downloaded from the EFA website as follows: documents-registration documents-click on declaration forms-download admission form for coaches. Once you have printed this form, fill and scan it to
The minimum entry requirement for this course is a high school certificate. This course is scheduled to commence on April 3, 2023.
Till next week, football for all and safe life for all.