Mhasimhalie Matthew Yhome and other officials with participants of 3rd edition of NFA Referee Recruitment cum Upgradation Course 2024 in Kohima on June 23. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 23
The 3rd edition of Nagaland Football Association (NFA) Referee Recruitment cum Upgradation Course 2024 in collaboration with All India Football Federation (AIFF) concluded today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
The recruitment, commenced on June 17, was hosted by Kohima District Football Referees Association (KDFRA).
Altogether, 39 referees joined the recruitment under active senior category, 30 in level 8-7 category and another 17 in level 7-6 category.
Addressing the closing programme as the special guest, Mhasimhalie Matthew Yhome, president Kohima District Football Association (KDFA) stressed on the need to build a healthy relationship amongst the football associations, coaches and referees to promote football together in Nagaland.
Today, in football family, only association will not bring positive results. The associations, coaches and referees have to work in union, he said.
Let us help each other and grow together, he said.
Stating that God give everyone a gift or talent, Yhome stressed on the need to make the best use of the same.
Nagas don’t reach to top level. Because, we are Jack of all Trades but master of none, he lamented.
Today, you have chosen your profession as referee. Go ahead with that only and give your best, he said.
Asking the referees to be dedicated and sincere in their approach, he said “Without dedication and sincerity, you are not going to progress in your life.”
Meanwhile, Yhome thanked Joychandra Singh, referee instructor AIFF & Zonal Referee Development Officer (ZRDO) ZRDO, North East Zone for producing national football referee from Nagaland in person of Mechievilie Yashü.
He was hopeful that Singh will produce more national level referees from Nagaland and ensure Nagaland finds prominence in AIFF.
Also speaking at the function, Joychandra Singh said that he had already produced one male National referee from Nagaland.
His next target is to produce another female national referee from Nagaland.
Singh stressed on the need to produce more young referees from Nagaland so that they will be able to go for National level.
Nagaland Football Coaches Association (NFCA) president Roko Angami said “As a referee, you are the king in the ground.”
In this, he challenged the referees to stick to football laws and exercise fairness and honesty in their judgment.
There should not be any room for bias and favouritism, he told the referees.
Kevingutuo Sekhose, Head of Referees (HOR), Nagaland also spoke at the function. The programme was chaired by Medozevi Punyii, course co-ordinator and general secretary KDFRA while vote of thanks was proposed by Kuzolie Neihu, Level 6 candidate and member KDFRA.
Neivikhoto Vielie, active senior referee candidate and member KDFRA offered thanksgiving prayer.
