Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is taking a positive stride in improving the quality of football played in the country as they kicked off a four-day Physical Endurance Tests (PET) training at the Kericho Green Stadium for their match officials on Tuesday.
The over 300 referees and match commissioners (MC) will be taken through medical, agility drills as well as physical tests to ascertain their ability to officiate the FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), Kenya Premier League (KPL), National Super League (NSL), Division one and league Two assignments.
The National Referees Committee Chairman Joseph Andere said 240 referees will be selected to officiate the matches during the first quarter of the leagues.
“Three sets of referees; the lead, assistant and center referees will be selected from this first quarter PET and they will officiate the matches until June,” said Andere.
He stated that there were 58 female referees officiating the three levels of the league.
The PET training which was officially opened by FKF Vice President Doris Petra said the training was important for the referees and MCs as it ensures they stick to football rules and FIFA standards.
She however decried the poor state of sports infrastructure in the country which had impacted negatively towards the development of games.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency, FIFA assistant referee Ms Caroline Kiles revealed she has been officiating the league matches for eight years and was equally up to the task.
“I have been a FIFA referee for eight years and the experience is good and I feel motivated every time and I would want to be a role model to others and as a role model you need to perform for others who are behind you to pick up what is positive. You need to work and work is very challenging,” said Kiles.
by Sarah Njagi
