MBONGISENI HANGS FIFA WHISTLE

MBABANE – Veteran referee Mbongiseni Fakudze will lose his FIFA badge in 20 days.

After being an international referee since 2002, Fakudze is retiring from the FIFA panel on the last day of the year. He is 43 years old. Initially, the retirement age at FIFA has been 45, but now the world soccer governing body reserves the right to require referees over 45 years of age to undergo additional technical assessments as well as specific medical examinations and fitness testing on a case-by-case basis. Fakudze politely asked not be drawn for comment on the issue, as referees were not allowed to talk to the media. However, impeccable sources also confirmed the latest developments, but said he would continue officiating locally, at least until the end of the season. “He did even bother to inform FIFA a few months ago, about his intention to renew as per the requirement,” our source said

Continue

“He is undecided if he will continue being a referee beyond the 2018/19 season,” alleged another impeccable source. Other referees, on condition of anonymity, confirmed being formally informed by their colleague about his decision to retire. The country nominates referees to be included on the FIFA list for the following year about three months earlier and this publication has learnt that Fakudze is not among those selected for 2019. Fakudze, alongside Thulani Sibandze, are the only male referees on the FIFA panel for 2018.

Replacement

Following the latest developments, reports suggest the name of Thembinkosi Dlamini has been submitted as Fakudze’s replacement. Assistants Gcina Mamba, Petros Mbingo, Sifiso Nxumalo and Zamani Simelane are set to tighten their grip on the FIFA badge alongside female referee Leticia Vianna. Female assistants Siphiwe Nxumalo and Buyisile Mkhaliphi are also set to remain on board. Assistant Thembinkosi Magagula and female referee Tencwala Soko, it was reliably gathered, were new additions nominated for international appointment in the upcoming year. Efforts to get comment from the Referees Committee were fruitless as Gilbert Dlamini’s phone rang unanswered. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said his office was yet to get the list of the international referees for 2019.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: