African referees made us proud - Pavaza
Namibia's 2017 Referee of the Year winner, Jackson Pavaza, says more African referees at the 2018 Russia World Cup was a step in the right direction.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Namibia's top referee, Jackson Pavaza, says the selection of six African referees for the prestigious 2018 Russia World Cup, as well as 10 assistants, was the first time such a large contingent of Africans were called upon to officiate at the world's most prestigious sporting event.
The African referees at the just-ended tournament were Mehdi Abid Charef from Algeria, Malang Diedhiou from Senegal, Bakary Papa Gassama from Gambia, Gehad Grisha from Egypt, Janny Sikazwe from Zambia and Ethiopia's Bamlak Tessema Weyesa.
“They have made us proud and have represented the Confederation of African Football (CAF) well, especially Diedhiou of Senegal. He has been excellent,” said Pavaza.
He said further that local referees should commit to the cause and not think about money.
“You get into refereeing because of the love of the game. Always focus on that and the rest will follow.
“Also, if you are called to referee internationally, make sure you remain dedicated and work hard because Fifa is watching all the time. It does not matter whether there are local competitions or not, just make sure you do your best,” he said.
Pavaza added he was called on to officiate at the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) competition without an active league last year.
“They saw my capabilities and the amount of hard work I put into this and called me.”
He encouraged young referees to remove themselves from the influences of alcohol and drugs.
“Associate yourself with good sportsmen and women who will motivate you to do better. This will grow your career,” Pavaza said.
The final between France and Croatia took place yesterday evening.
Pavaza through his weight behind Argentina's Nestor Pitana, who was selected to officiate the match.
He said he hoped he would do well and depend on his abilities, and not on the video assistant referee (VAR) system.
“The VAR was just introduced to aid the referee, as mistakes can be made, but the referee's decision is final,” he explained.
Pavaza said if he was in Pitana's shoes, he would just enjoy the match.
“It would have been a dream come true to officiate in the final. I would treat it like any other match. I always depend on my abilities and would have just enjoyed the match,” he said.
Pavaza concluded by saying he is arming himself for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I want to be part of the referees when the next World Cup takes place. But until then, I will put in hard work to get there.”
His hard work has already started, as he left the country today for the Sudan CAF Confederation Cup, along with three Namibian assistant referees.
The choice of officials for the World Cup was based on each referee's skills and personality, as well as his level of understanding of football and his ability to read both the game and the various tactics employed by teams.
The world governing body also chose the VAR assistants from the pool of officials.
-Additional info by africannews.com
Namibia's top referee, Jackson Pavaza, says the selection of six African referees for the prestigious 2018 Russia World Cup, as well as 10 assistants, was the first time such a large contingent of Africans were called upon to officiate at the world's most prestigious sporting event.
The African referees at the just-ended tournament were Mehdi Abid Charef from Algeria, Malang Diedhiou from Senegal, Bakary Papa Gassama from Gambia, Gehad Grisha from Egypt, Janny Sikazwe from Zambia and Ethiopia's Bamlak Tessema Weyesa.
“They have made us proud and have represented the Confederation of African Football (CAF) well, especially Diedhiou of Senegal. He has been excellent,” said Pavaza.
He said further that local referees should commit to the cause and not think about money.
“You get into refereeing because of the love of the game. Always focus on that and the rest will follow.
“Also, if you are called to referee internationally, make sure you remain dedicated and work hard because Fifa is watching all the time. It does not matter whether there are local competitions or not, just make sure you do your best,” he said.
Pavaza added he was called on to officiate at the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) competition without an active league last year.
“They saw my capabilities and the amount of hard work I put into this and called me.”
He encouraged young referees to remove themselves from the influences of alcohol and drugs.
“Associate yourself with good sportsmen and women who will motivate you to do better. This will grow your career,” Pavaza said.
The final between France and Croatia took place yesterday evening.
Pavaza through his weight behind Argentina's Nestor Pitana, who was selected to officiate the match.
He said he hoped he would do well and depend on his abilities, and not on the video assistant referee (VAR) system.
“The VAR was just introduced to aid the referee, as mistakes can be made, but the referee's decision is final,” he explained.
Pavaza said if he was in Pitana's shoes, he would just enjoy the match.
“It would have been a dream come true to officiate in the final. I would treat it like any other match. I always depend on my abilities and would have just enjoyed the match,” he said.
Pavaza concluded by saying he is arming himself for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I want to be part of the referees when the next World Cup takes place. But until then, I will put in hard work to get there.”
His hard work has already started, as he left the country today for the Sudan CAF Confederation Cup, along with three Namibian assistant referees.
The choice of officials for the World Cup was based on each referee's skills and personality, as well as his level of understanding of football and his ability to read both the game and the various tactics employed by teams.
The world governing body also chose the VAR assistants from the pool of officials.
-Additional info by africannews.com
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