Football: HOLLYWOODBETS Cosafa Cup 2023 |19 July 2023

Seychelles’ Caf referee Stephen Dugasse

Assistant referee Stephen Dugasse makes Cosafa debut

Other than the national selection, Seychelles’ football was also being represented at the recently-held Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Cup in Durban, South Africa by assistant referee Stephen Dugasse who was making his debut at such competition.

After performing in the group stage of the tournament on three occasions as assistant referee – Lesotho v Mauritius, Mozambique v Lesotho and South Africa v Eswatini – and reserve referee in the semi-final, Dugasse was called up for the third-place match between Malawi and South Africa, completing his first assignment at a senior Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) senior challenge.

Speaking to Sports NATION, Dugasse said he had to attend a week-long training in South Africa alongside other referees across the continent selected by the Cosafa, to familiarise themselves with amended rules and regulations of the game, before entering the tournament.

“Being on the Fédération internationale de football association (Fifa) international referee list created the opportunity for me to be selected by the Cosafa,” said Dugasse who added that being able to reach big stages such as the Cosafa is a great achievement for him in his officiating career.

“To make my country’s flag float at the tournament was an honour as the tournament was of high standards,” noted Dugasse.

He explained that during his one-week training, they started with a fitness test at the beginning, followed by theory and practical sessions.

He said he is proud to have represented Seychelles as an assistant referee where he is more comfortable rather than to officiate as the first official.

“I have gained experience from the training and from the tournament itself, and I prefer to be on the touch lines, rather than on the field, taking charge of the match,” added Dugasse.

He further added that the atmosphere at the competition was nice and stress-free, while he has matured in his career as a referee, having met other referees in the region whereby they exchanged knowledge and culture.

“I did not feel any pressure, and I officiated like I was at home, while the trip was also an opportunity to meet other referees from the region, where we shared our knowledge of the game,” added Dugasse, who also said part of his dream is to officiate the Africa Cup of Nations (Can).

A firefighter by profession, Dugasse joined referring when he was 15 years old.

The experienced referee said there is a need for more local officials in the country and urges those who are interested to join.

“There are not many referees, it would be good if more can join and see how good the experience is,” concluded Dugasse.

It was the Chipolopolo of Zambia who were crowned champions of the tournament for their seventh title after overcoming Lesotho 1-0 in the final.

Neil Sirame