By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) officially commenced the 2026 FIFA MA Course for Elite Referees in Bo City, bringing together the country’s top match officials for a five-day capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing refereeing standards.
The course got underway with all participating referees successfully passing the mandatory fitness test, demonstrating their physical readiness for the intensive technical programme.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bo District Football Association Chairman Abdul Bangura welcomed the participants and conveyed warm greetings from SLFA President Babadi Kamara and the Executive Committee. He encouraged the referees to remain disciplined, committed, and dedicated throughout the course as they continue to play a vital role in the development of football in Sierra Leone.
Referees Committee Vice Chairman Alhaji Daudu Williams urged the participants to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of taking full advantage of the five-day course to improve their knowledge and performance.
The course is being facilitated by FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed from Somalia and FIFA Fitness Instructor Bento Tomas Navesse from Mozambique, who will deliver both theoretical and practical sessions throughout the programme.
Supporting the FIFA instructors are the SLFA’s local refereeing experts, including Referees Manager Alhaji Sanusie Rashid, Ibrahim Bristo Kamara, Alhaji Alpha Rahim, and Zainab Wilson, who will assist in the delivery of the course.
The 2026 FIFA MA Course for Elite Referees will conclude on Sunday, 5 July 2026, with participants expected to return to their respective competitions better equipped to officiate at the highest level.