ANOTHER TOP REF RETIRES

MBABANE – Another top referee has pulled the plug on his illustrious career spanning over 16 years.

Assistant Referee Petros Mbingo has since retired from officiating, less than a year after surrendering his Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) badge. The veteran match official, who is also a man of God, follows on the footsteps of the likes of Letticia Viana and Sifiso Nxumalo, who also retired at the end of the past season. Mbingo, 42, was an international referee between 2007 and 2023 (16 years), making him the most experienced official in the country. Mbingo confirmed the latest developments, but politely asked to consult with his seniors before granting an interview. This publication wanted him, among other things, to share his journey and next move. Most Eswatini referees who retire become match commissioners.

International

Other former international referees from Eswatini who retired in the last decade include Simanga Nhleko and Mbongiseni Fakudze. The latter is now a match commissioner. Nhleko, on the other hand, once served as Premier League of Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (PLE). Apparently, there is no retirement age in football refereeing. The decision to retire can depend on personal health, life circumstances or satisfaction with their career. In March, this year; the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that a 90-year-old great-grandfather from Sheffield, who could be one of the United Kingdom’s oldest football referees, has said he has ‘no intention of stopping’.

Frank Foster, from Ecclesfield, said he could still keep up with the physical demands of football games, though his legs got tired. The former car mechanic began refereeing grassroots football in Yorkshire, over four decades ago. His secret to continuing into his 90s was knowing that ‘age is just a number’.

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