Youths urged to take up soccer refereeing

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
YOUTHS in Matabeleland South have been urged to take up soccer refereeing as a profession in order to fully explore all opportunities within sport.In an interview during a referees’ training workshop in Plumtree yesterday, Matabeleland South Zifa referees instructor, Johnson Ndlovu, said few youths participated in referees’ training programmes.

“We have a number of youths who are venturing into sport as a profession but a few of them train as referees.
“We hold training in various parts of the province but youths are reluctant to attend as they need to be educated more on the benefits presented by the profession and sport,” said Ndlovu.

He said the youth’s involvement in sports had to go beyond just being team players.
“The mind set that youths seem to have is that to be successful in the sporting profession one has to become a great player.

“They overlook the fact that the profession also incorporates officials and one can strive to become a well acclaimed sporting official and become equally successful,” he said.

Ndlovu said a number of workshops were being conducted in various parts of the province to enlighten youths on the profession.
“We are holding various workshops and training programmes in order to educate youths on the benefits of being involved in sporting at another level which is that of being officials.

“We have realised that a number of youths have an interest in sports. Some of them that have failed to succeed academically are venturing into sporting activities. It is in this regard that we wish to present to them the various avenues they can explore within the sporting field,” he said.

Ndlovu said once trained, young referees needed to be presented with various learning platforms within their communities.
“We have a number of young referees who are Class 4 Zifa affiliates in places like Plumtree. They need exposure and experience which can help them develop their skills.

“Some of them are still pursuing their studies but have an interest in sport.
“Participating and officiating in tournaments as well as various matches will help these young people in getting the exposure they need.

“Therefore we urge those with the capacity to facilitate this within each and every community to play their part,” he said.