Shangula paves the way

Former Brave Gladiator's winger Vistoria Shangula, as well as Astino Twanyakukwa and Eveline Augustinus have made the Fifa international football referees list for next year.Paulina Joel also made the cut as the only Namibian female assistant referee for 2020.On the men's side, Namibian Premier League (NPL) referee of the season Nehemiah Shovaleka and Jonas Shongedi also made the Fifa roster.They are joined by six male assistant referees on the 2020 Fifa rooster.According to the Namibia Football Association (NFA) the Fifa-listed referees receive a badge, which indicates what category of official they are - referee or assistant referee.NFA referees coordinator Absalom Goseb confirmed the list and said 20 names were submitted to Fifa for consideration to officiate at official international matches as part of the 2020 referees' panel.However, only 12 made it, with Eenhana-based Shovaleka retaining his position and being joined by Shongedi from Oshakati, with Jackson Pavaza absent.“Pavaza is no longer a referee. He is now a referee assessor and instructor after years of running across fields in Namibia and Africa,” Goseb explained.The six male assistant referees approved by Fifa are Mathew Kanyanga, Sem Singeve, Alex Lumponjani and Matheus Nevonga, who are all returnees to the Fifa list, while Festus Shaningwa and Johannes Shinuna are the newcomers.According to Fifa rules, referees nominated to the international referees list must pass fitness tests consisting of a series of 40-metre sprints and an interval test consisting of 75-metre sprints and 2x 12.5-metre recovery walks.Assistant referees nominated must pass fitness tests consisting of a change of direction ability (CODA) drill, a series of 30-metre sprints and an interval test consisting of 75-metre sprints and 2x12.5m recovery walks.Those on the women's list are only allowed to officiate at men's international matches if they have completed the men's fitness tests.A referee must be at least 25 years old on 1 January to be eligible for nomination in that calendar year. An assistant referee is eligible at the age of 23. LIMBA MUPETAMI

Shangula paves the way

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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Shangula paves the way

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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