Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Football referees Fillipus Nghilinganye and Petrus Amutenya are currently in Cairo, Egypt, attending a Confederation of African Football (CAF) refereeing course focused on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and the latest officiating rules.
The training, organised by CAF and FIFA, runs from 23 to 27 February.
Amutenya said that the course aims to equip referees with the knowledge needed to officiate CAF and FIFA matches across Africa and the world.
‘’We will be taught how to operate with VAR, get more knowledge on FIFA rules and how to talk to teams officially,’’ said Amutenya.
He said refereeing is a rewarding career but requires self-respect, discipline, and hard work.
‘’My message to young ones and those aspiring to be professional referees, is to believe in themselves, work hard and discipline is number one, and always pray,’’ said Amutenya.
Nghilinganye and Amutenya are among seven Namibian match officials recently added to the 2025 FIFA referee list, allowing them to officiate international matches.
Other referees are Negongo Mweshitsama Naftal, Ndemugwanitha Twanyanyukwa Antsino, Nuusiku and Vistoria Shangula.
Assistant referees are Muzibwane Alex Lumponjani, Kanyanga Mathew, Velinoma Hangula Angula, Masati Klaus Bonifatius, Lungameni Eveline Augustinus, Ndegathetwa Olivia Amukuu, and Paulina Joel.
Namibia Football Association spokesperson Isak Hamata reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting refereeing development in Namibia.
“The association encourages other aspiring match officials to put in the effort required for future FIFA selections,” advised Hamata.
