From October 1 to 4, 2025, the city of Douala will once again be at the center of African football development as it welcomes a high-profile training camp for referees and assistant referees from the UNIFFAC region (Union of Central African Football Federations). This initiative underscores the growing commitment of the sub-region to raising the standards of match officiating.
A four-day program designed for excellence
The camp is expected to be both practical and theoretical, equipping referees with the necessary skills to handle games at national, regional, and continental levels. Match simulations with players will allow participants to practice positioning, game reading, and decision-making in real-time scenarios. Equally important will be fitness drills, as modern refereeing demands high physical endurance.
Off the pitch, classroom sessions will revisit key aspects of the Laws of the Game, particularly tricky areas such as tactical fouls, deliberate handball, and offside interpretations. Match management, an art that blends authority with calm psychology, will also be highlighted.
UNIFFAC referees on the continental stage
The region has seen an impressive rise in officiating quality over the last five years. From AFCON finals to CAF club competitions, UNIFFAC referees have proven their worth at the very top. Notable names include Cameroonian trio Alioum Sidi, Elvis Noupoue, and Menkouande Evariste, who commanded the AFCON 2019 final, and Carine Atezambong, one of Africa’s leading female assistant referees with multiple continental finals to her name.
Others, such as Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho, who officiated a CHAN final, and Cameroon’s Mefire Abdou Abdel, who recently handled both the CAN U20 and CHAN finals, illustrate the depth of talent emerging from the sub-region. Internationally, Chad’s Alhadji Allaou Mahamat and DR Congo’s Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo have carried the UNIFFAC flag to FIFA tournaments, including the Club World Cup.
Leadership driving progress
At the heart of this progress is René Daniel Louzaya and head of refereeing for UNIFFAC Kebene Olivier His strategic vision has emphasized continuous education, physical preparation, and adaptability to new technologies like VAR. By hosting the Douala workshop, he reinforces his determination to sustain this momentum and prepare the next generation of referees for the global stage.
A reference point beyond Central Africa
The achievements of UNIFFAC match officials have also attracted global attention. Former referees such as Menkouande Evariste and Evehe Divine Raphaël are now called upon internationally as experts, sharing their experience with wider audiences. This recognition is proof that Central Africa has become a genuine hub for refereeing excellence.
As Douala stages this four-day training, the message is clear: refereeing is not just about enforcing rules, but safeguarding the integrity of the game. With investment in training and mentorship, UNIFFAC continues to build a foundation that will ensure African football is officiated with consistency, fairness, and professionalism for years to come.
Copyright©2025 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
French 
English