Football   12 local officials receive their Fifa badges |07 February 2024

The match officials in souvenir photo with Mr Rose and other SFF representatives (Photo: Neil Sirame)

Twelve match officials were presented with their badged on Monday after having been confirmed on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s international list.

They received their badges from chief executive of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Denis Rose during a small presentation ceremony at the Maison Football auditorium at Roche Caïman, in the presence of chairman of the SFF’s referee committee Jason Damoo who is also a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) instructor.

Among the group, five – Emile Fred, Keren Yocette, Eldrick Adelaide, Dario Landry and Norris Arissol – were presented with badges as referees, while five – James Emile, Hensley Petrousse, Stephen Dugasse, Shaji Padayachi and Julio Agathine – received badges in their capacities as assistant referees for field football, with two – Nadim Lucas and Dean Vandertoon – receiving badges as Fifa beach soccer officials.

Mr Rose congratulated the officials for gaining the necessary experience in moving forward in their career.

 “I wish to congratulate you all, while encouraging you to move forward, and on behalf of the SFF I assure you that we will be doing our best to make sure that the wellbeing of official is well taken care of,” said Mr Rose, adding that they have already began to take certain measures regarding the security of officials during matches.

Receiving his first Fifa badge, assistant referee Agathine said it is a big opportunity and great joy for him and he sees it as another step forward in life.

“It has been 10 years since I began my journey and this badge today will definitely encourage me to continue to push harder and understand that more sacrifices will be needed,” said Agathine who added that he will be more devoted and committed towards his training.

Experienced referee Yocette said the badge is the result of hard work and devotion in 2023, making it possible for renewal of the Fifa license for 2024, adding that the plan remains the same entering in 2024.

This, he said, is to continue with his training, show good conduct in both local and international matches, while targeting other stages such as the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the Africa Nations Championship (Chan).

 “The criteria to be nominated for Fifa license is based on performance in matches, four physical tests in a year and attending the Fifa course which is a key component, while the badge itself is not something that remains consistent forever. So, each year you have to work hard to have your license renewed,” said Yocette who added that he will continue to persevere for international call-ups and pass his fitness tests for continuous renewal of his license.

Assistant referee Padayachi said he is proud of his accomplishment as this badge is like a passport to officiate international games.

 “I still have a long way to go in my refereeing career, and this renewal brings many benefits,” said Padayachi.

Neil Sirame