adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA has compiled a list of referees that will be forwarded to Fifa for consideration for the esteemed international list.
Fifa has set October 26 as the deadline for submission of the lists by its 209 member associations.
“The list has been compiled, but unfortunately the names and numbers will remain a secret at the moment, to protect the integrity of the profession,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela. Sources said Bulawayo’s Philani Ncube and Hwange’s Hardly Ndazi’s names could be among the nominees.
Zimbabwe has three referees and six assistant male referees on the Fifa international list, with Rusina Majo and Bulawayo’s Tambudzai Tawengwa, being the two female referees on the list, while another Bulawayo girl, Rudo Nhananga and Sekai Semanja are the assistants.
Abraham Manda, Norman Matemera and Salani Ncube are most likely to be retained with Ruzive Ruzive who, however, has not had it easy locally.
In its circular to associations, written by the Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke, the world soccer motherbody said it had attached the regulations governing the registration of international referees, assistant referees, futsal referees and beach soccer referees, on Fifa’s lists for their convenience.
“The proposed referees shall be at least 25 years old (23 years old in the case of assistant referees) and shall not have reached the age of 45 on January 1, of the year for which they have been nominated, candidates may not be older than 38 in the year in which they are nominated, unless they have previously appeared on the list for which they are being proposed,” said Fifa in its circular.
According to the circular, newly nominated referees must have been born no later than 1989 and assistant referees must be born not later than 1991 (two years younger), in order to ensure a minimum level of experience.
“Each candidate must be ranked based on the marks obtained for officiating games at the national level,during the 12 months prior to being nominated to the list of international referees. At a minimum, all nominated referees must pass a Fifa approved fitness test and a medical examination on or after May 26, 2014,” wrote Fifa in its circular.
derick.khumalo