On September 13, 2023, the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), Samuel Eto’o, awarded scrolls to 505 student referees from across the country at the Fecafoot Technical Centre in Odza. Seven regions were represented.
The winners of the three northern regions received their certificates at the esplanade of the Garoua council hall.
In total, out of more than 650 students, 505 have successfully passed the national exam organized by the Cameroonian football governing body. Four were expelled for cheating and banned from taking part in the exam for three years.
Since the arrival of the executive in December 2021, 39 new arbitration schools have been created, bringing the total to 45. This first national crop of student football referees was named Promotion Samuel Eto’o.
In his address to the student referees, Eto’o congratulated them on their achievements and urged them to continue working hard to become the best referees they can be. He also reminded them of the importance of integrity and fair play in the game of football.
“You are the future of Cameroonian refereeing,” Eto’o said. “I have great confidence in you, and I know that you will make us proud.”
The awarding of scrolls to the student referees is a significant development for Cameroonian football. It is a sign of the commitment of the Fecafoot executive to developing the next generation of referees.
The new referees will be deployed to officiate matches in the various leagues and competitions organised by Fecafoot. They will also be eligible for selection to officiate international matches.
The development of a strong and competent refereeing corps is essential for the growth and development of football in Cameroon. Eto’o’s initiative to train and certify student referees is a step in the right direction.
