CAF U17 GIFT Highlights The Vibrancy Of Young Match Officials

The ongoing CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) in Tanzania boasts an impressive lineup of referees, showcasing the dedication of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to the growth and development of match officials.

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The tournament highlights not only the young average age of the women referees but also CAF’s continuous efforts to elevate the standards of African refereeing to world-class levels.

Seventeen (17) young women have been selected for the regional pilot programme for what will become a major tournament in the coming years as participation and its stature continues to grow.

The match officials, who average an age of 25.6 years, represent Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan.

CAF Director of Technical Development Raul Chipenda has expressed his enthusiasm for the level of refereeing displayed so far.

He said: “We are very proud of the performance and professionalism displayed by our young women referees in the CAF U17 GIFT Tournament. Their maturity and skill show the significant strides we have made in our refereeing development programs. Special recognition goes to the Head of Professional Refereeing and Football Technology, whose efforts and leadership have been instrumental in this success. This tournament not only showcases the abilities of these young women but also sets a new standard for the future of refereeing in Africa.”

On Wednesday, the pilot tournament featured an impressive performance by one of the youngest referees participating. Serving as the central referee for the match between TDS Girls Academy and Boni Consilli Girls Vocational Team (1-0), Ethiopian Yordanos Mulugeta Shibre, aged 20, exhibited commendable maturity in what was her first international game. Her debut on the international stage did not go unnoticed, indicating that she will be a significant presence in future events.

CAF’s Refereeing Department has been pivotal in this transformation, providing rigorous training and continuous development opportunities. The youthful average age of these referees is striking, reflecting a new generation of officials trained with the latest techniques and standards. This fresh influx of youth ensures the dynamism and adaptability necessary for the fast-paced nature of modern football.

The CAF U17 GIFT Tournament in Tanzania is more than just a competition; it is a testament to the organization’s efforts to nurture young talent and uphold the integrity of the game. The referees, with their impressive skills and youthful energy, are setting new benchmarks, ensuring that the future of refereeing in Africa is in capable hands.

Here is the list of Match Officials: