The workshop, which concludes today, has been conducted by Referee Development Officer Massimo Raveino (TAH), Referee Instructor Neil Poloso (SOL) and Fitness Trainer Kader Touati (FRA) who make up the OFC Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP) team under the umbrella of the FIFA Development Office.
In encouraging workshop participants, Fusimalohi highlighted the achievements of Tonga’s Assistant Referees Tevita Makasini and Lata I Sia Tuifutuna, who are part of OFC trios preselected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011. He attributed the success to mere hard work, commitment and competency.
Team leader Raveino reiterated Fusimalohi’s sentiments.
“I think that there is improvement in the performances of match officials in Tonga. Of course we have now two representatives in the FIFA World Cup competitions, Tevita Makasini and Lata, so we are happy and we wish this continues in the future,” Raveino said.
The workshop objective has been twofold; to assess the performance of two TFA Referee instructors, Haina Moli and Koli Vakatapu, who attended the FIFA Futuro
III course in Auckland in January, and to improve the quality and quantity of referees in the Kingdom. This reflects OFC’s commitment to developing world-class match officials in the region.
Tropical cyclone Rene had threatened the workshop due to lack of electrical power as parts of Tonga are still without electricity. But Fusimalohi pointed out that the FIFA Instructors had brought with them some good luck, as a dry spell meant the course could continue at the country’s home of football.
Initiated by FIFA, the workshop addresses all areas of referee development.
“What is important is that these courses build on the foundation we already have,” Fusimalohi said.
About 30 referees from around Tongatapu attended the five-day workshop which was officially opened by TFA’s Vice President, Paula Ma’u, on Monday.
Story courtesy TFA Media