The Juba Local Football Association, in collaboration with the South Sudan Football Association, has successfully trained 40 referees in Juba. The week-long training concluded on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the local federation.
Januar Frazer, Chairman of the Central Refereeing Committee at the national level, commended the management committee for organizing this inaugural course. He emphasized his commitment to providing continuous support to the referees as a physical trainer rather than just a president, ensuring their development.
Stephen Lado, Vice Chairman of the Juba Local Football Association’s Steering Committee, expressed gratitude to the South Sudan Football Association for their indispensable support in facilitating the training. He highlighted the crucial role played by the Federation President in making the course possible.
Augustino Madut, President of the South Sudan Football Association and Vice-President of CECAFA, underscored the essential qualities referees must possess, including moral values, integrity, and respect.
Madut emphasized the importance of integrity, stating, “It means everything to referees, as they don’t always receive support from either team.” He urged referees to exhibit intelligence and resilience, as they often face criticism until the final whistle blows.
Rita Dominic, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in Central Equatoria State, commended the Juba Union Steering Committee for effectively implementing the proposals from the General Assembly and the Ministry.
She expressed gratitude to the South Sudan Federation for their consistent support to the Juba Federation and highlighted the excellent cooperation between them and the Ministry of Labor.
Rita emphasized the importance of referees, describing them as vital elements in football as they represent the essence of the game itself. Addressing the trainees, she stressed the significance of honesty and conscientiousness in their role, stating, “These qualities are fundamental in determining the outcome of a match. Even if the coach and players perform well, the match can take an unexpected turn if these principles are not upheld.”
She urged the graduates to adhere to the law, emphasizing its pivotal role in every aspect of their work.