Sulom introduces referees award
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) will award outstanding referees for the 2015 season at the TNM Super League prize presentation gala.
This will be the first time in the history of Malawi football.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said it was high time the country recognised the role referees play in the game of football.
“For a long time we have not done anything to recognise the job done by our referees. It’s not easy to be a good referee and those that excel need to be awarded just like we do with players, coaches and other stakeholders. This year we will recognise the best referee and assistant referee,” Banda said.
On the criteria to be used when selecting the match officials, the general secretary explained that they have been monitoring them throughout the season.
“There is a referees’ assessor for every Super League game played. These assessors submit a report on the performance of the officials. The reports are compiled and they will be used to determine which referees performed well in the 2015 season. It’s a fool proof system,” Banda said.
Sulom also plans to introduce long-serving player honorary award to recognise the players that have played in the Super League for a long time.
“For this one we are still working on it, but hopefully we hope it will be done as well.
“People have often complained that when players retire they are not taken care of.
“We want this special award to prepare such players for life after retirement.
“We can provide a retirement package or vocational training to such players to prepare them for their future,” Banda said.
Meanwhile, National Referees Association of Malawi has welcomed the development.
General secretary Chris Kalichero said it was high time the country recognised the role of referees.
“It was always a concern seeing other stakeholders being recognised at the end of the season while referees were sidelined,” Kalichero said. “This will go a long way in motivating referees to work hard there as improving officiation.” n
