A total of twenty-five (25) Gambian referees and assistant referees were awarded certificates in the just concluded Win In Africa programme, organised by the Gambia Football Association, in partnership with the world’s football governing body [FIFA], at the National Technical Training Centre in Yundum.

The five-day comprehensive referees development programme for Gambian referees was meant to enhance referees’ education, promote the role of referees and improve their structures within the Gambia’s football association so as to help them prepare well to cope with the demands of modern football.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of the Gambia Football Association, Seedy M.B Kinteh thanked Fifa through the Course Director, Mr Joseph Willington for what he described as a wonderful initiative.

Mr. Kinteh further advised the referees to share their knowledge as leaders in referee education with others who may be less advanced in this area.

He described referees “as the key important elements in modern football, given the fact that without them at the local level, it will affect the quality of referees at the top level.”

Mr. Kinteh finally seized the opportunity to thank the Course Director, Mr Joseph Wellington and his colleagues for their efforts and wished them a safe journey back hom.