The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has intensified efforts to strengthen officiating standards with 35 young referees completing a FIFA-backed talent development course in Lusaka.
Speaking at the close of the FIFA Young Talent Referees Course at Cosmic Lodge on Thursday, FAZ President Keith Mweemba said the future of Zambian football depends on producing a strong pipeline of well-trained match officials capable of serving the game with professionalism and integrity.
“This course represents an important investment in the future of officiating in Zambia. It creates an opportunity to identify, nurture and prepare the next generation of match officials who will serve our game with professionalism, integrity and excellence.” Mweemba said.
The participants comprised 10 female and 25 male referees, with 17 central referees and 18 assistant referees undergoing intensive technical and physical training under FIFA instructors. Mweemba said referees remain custodians of the Laws of the Game and play a critical role in safeguarding fairness, credibility and the spirit of football.
He added that modern officiating demanded technical competence, physical fitness, strong communication skills and mental resilience. “The future of Zambian football depends not only on players and coaches but also on a strong pipeline of well-trained referees.”
And FIFA Technical Instructor Jerome Damon urged the young officials to view the end of the course as the start of a bigger journey in football. Damon said referees would ultimately be judged by how they handle difficult moments, adding that courage, composure and integrity are the hallmarks of successful officiating.
“The whistle you hold today may one day be heard in the Zambia Super League. It may one day be heard in CAF competitions. It may one day be heard at the FIFA World Cup,” Damon said.
He challenged the graduates to work hard, remain humble and stay committed to the Laws of the Game, saying Zambia’s next FIFA and CAF referees could emerge from the group that completed the training.
