Six elite referees fail physical fitness test in Malawi's Northern Region
A total of 255 referees, many of them youngsters, participated in the Northern Region's physical checks.
MZUZU, Malawi— Six elite referees who officiate Super League and national cup games failed the Physical Fitness Check conducted over the weekend at Karonga and Mzuzu Stadiums, writes Victor Musongole.
Among the 31 elite referees tested, Perrie Kumwenda failed for the second consecutive time, joined by Meruce Nyirongo, Tobias Chitani, Elias Chioneka, Ellah Chikalamba, and Mike Misinjo.
The failure means they cannot officiate upcoming Super League and national cup matches unless they retake the test in other regions or through a costly special arrangement.
Head of Referees Training Mark Ephraim Mzengo expressed disappointment.
"Not good with the outcome, looking at the number of elite referees who have failed. It's disappointing," he said.
However, Mzengo found a silver lining in the turnout. "The number was good. This means our aim to increase referees in the next five years is on track."
A total of 255 referees, many of them youngsters, participated in the Northern Region's physical checks.