EMULATE SIKAZWE’S PROFESSIONALISM, REFEREES TOLD
LOCAL referees have been advised to emulate the professionalism of Zambia’s number one referee Janny Sikazwe who has been nominated for the CAF Referee of the Year Award, says Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association (CSFS) chairman Yotam Mwanza.
Mwanza said that Sikazwe has received global recognition due to his professionalism in handling both local and international fixtures.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Nation sports in Lusaka, Mwanza noted that discipline was cardinal for the local referees to excel in their career.
“Janny Sikazwe has set a very good pace for local referees to follow. He has been professional in his officiating and that is why he has been recognized by FIFA to officiate at the 2018 Russia World Cup,
“The challenge is now on local referees to emulate Sikazwe because if we can have more referees like him, it would be a good thing for the growth of Zambian football,” Mwanza said.
Meanwhile Mwanza has hailed the Zambia U-20 National team and striker Patson Daka for being shortlisted for the 2017 CAF Awards.
Mwanza said that it was encouraging to see the young Daka being considered for the crucial CAF Awards which will be held next January in Ghana.
“We are happy that the boy has also been nominated for the CAF Awards. We have seen how he has progressed in the recent past and this will motivate upcoming players to perform better at national team,” Mwanza said.
The categories for the awards gala that will take place on January 4 Accra next year include African Player of the Year and African Based Player of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, and National Team of the Year (Men & Women) Cameroon, Egypt, Mali U-17, Nigeria and Zambia U-20.
Youth Player of the Year consist of Eric Ayiah from Ghana, Senegelese Krepin Diatta, South Africa’s Luther Singh, Patson Daka and Salam Giddou of Mali.
Other categories include coach of the Year, Club of the Year and Referee of the Year.
The winners will be decided by votes from the members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, CAF Media Experts Panel and independent media and TV consultants.