By Alhassan Bah
Four Sierra Leone female referees have successfully completed the five day FIFA Elite and Intermediate Members Association Referees Course which was concluded on 1st November, 2019 at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium in Freetown. The outstanding performance ratings by Fatmata Mansaray from Kono District and Precious Amara from the Western Area – Freetown tipped them to be referred to as “potential future FIFA referees” according to FIFA Instructors, Ali Mohammed Ahmed from Somalia and Mark Emzengo from Malawi. SLFA President Isha Johansen, who doubles as Chairperson of Referees Committee asked for a standing ovation to be given the four young ladies whom she referred to as “women changing our narrative and breaking barriers in a men’s game.” She added that it will be a proud moment to see these young female referees officiating in the upcoming WAFU 2019 women’s tournament to be hosted in Sierra Leone. Precious Amara gave the closing statement thanking the FA for its relentless efforts in developing and encouraging the growth of football especially for female referees.
