23 February 2024 – The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) Referee Department concluded their week-long Women’s Development Group workshop ahead of the commencement of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Super League season.
The sixth edition of the Women’s national league will kickoff on 2 March 2024 with exciting matches around the country, and the new breed of Referees will be up for the action.
SAFA has identified 15 new female match official for consideration in the Hollywoodbets Super League. They form part of the 35-selection panel of match officials for the season.
SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim said that they were looking forward to the new season and are very inspired with the new generation of female Referees.
“The main purpose of this workshop is to empower and upskill talented female match officials across the country, while at the same time preparing officials who will be officiating in the upcoming season of the HSL,” said Ebrahim.
The Referees Department is looking to produce an overall holistic Match Official who will not only do well in the field of play but also be able and well equipped to handle life’s challenges. We are looking to equip our Match Officials with the basic tools in the area of psychology, nutrition, athletic competence and fitness, as these are the basic skills and tools needed in being a good Match Official apart from the technical aspects of the Laws of the Game.
Psychological topic covered:
· Mental toughness
· Goal setting
· Self-regulation techniques
· Development of self-confidence
· Concentration and attention control strategies
“Without the team of instructors who availed themselves for this workshop, it would not have been a success. They are Dawn Lubisi- Administrator (Psychology coach), Lufuno Nemagovhani- Technical instructor, Edward Letswalo- Physical instructor (lead) and Brian Sibisi- Physical instructor.’’