League referees to take fitness tests

By Swalley Kenyi

FORMER FIFA centre referees Ronnie Kalema, Brian Nsubuga and  Ali Kalyango are among officials expected to take fitness tests on Saturday and must pass it if they are to officiate in FUFA Big League and Super League matches.

The three referees lost their positions on the latest FIFA list and are expected to take a FUFA test for the domestic competitions as they launch fresh campaigns to get back to global standards.

The FUFA organised fitness test will take place at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday morning.

It will be conducted by FIFA instructor Haruna Kebba, who doubles as the head coach for FUFA Super League side Kiira Young.

Kebba, who recommends those who pass the exercise to FUFA referees committee for deployment in the federation organised activities, has not been a happy man lately following poor performance by the officials.

In the recent past three senior FIFA referees failed the test and he attributed it to lack of seriousness on the part of the referees.

“Our referees have lost focus. They do not train sufficiently to pass the tests so they need guidance. That affects one’s fitness,” Kebba explained.

Over 40 referees, who handle the two competitions, save for FIFA referees in the country must pass the fitness test.

Kebba has since been battling with preparation of the officials for the exercise that gauges a referee’s speed, agility, strength and endurance among others to handle competitive matches.

Saturday’s test will not feature the elite (FIFA referees) class as they are expected to take a separate one next month (March).

It started with a medical test for all of them at FUFA House in Mengo on Friday to avoid a possible disaster like collapsing. The FUFA Super League rolled off on Friday.