Langhorne lauds local referees commitment to fitness

Participating match officials at the recently held Referees Fitness Test at the National Track and Field Center, Leonora from left to right Gladwyn Johnson, Kleon Lindey and Sherwin Johnson.
Participating match officials at the recently held Referees Fitness Test at the National Track and Field Center, Leonora from left to right Gladwyn Johnson, Kleon Lindey and Sherwin Johnson.

With the aim of nominating several match officials for the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) 2021 List of Referees, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) conducted a Fitness Test on October 24th at the National Track and Field Center, Leonora.

According to a release from the GFF the test was done observing the necessary protocols.

“Under strict COVID-19 protocols at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, WCD, the test was supervised by Member Association Fitness Instructor, Lindley Langhorne, who was assisted by Fitness Trainer Tyrone Tyrell and Refereeing Department official Winston Manjet,” the release stated.

“The participating referees were Sherwin Johnson and Gladwyn Johnson, along with Assistant Referee Kleon Lindey. Former FIFA Assistant Referee, Trevor Porter, was invited but pulled at the last moment due to injury. Maurees Skeete also did not take the test due to injury; however, she will be re-nominated provisionally and will have to pass the test when she becomes fit,” the release added.  Instructor Langhorne during brief remarks said, “Despite the global pandemic, it’s a pleasure to see the level of commitment of our referees through the fitness test, and this was demonstrated with their successful completion of the test. The participating referees demonstrated that they are capable of living up to the standards of FIFA officials and are well prepared to handle match situations when called upon.”

Meanwhile Head of Refereeing and GFF Executive Committee Member, Dion Inniss, said, “Though our Match Officials have been inactive for several months, I was very impressed with the level of fitness they demonstrated on Saturday; it shows a great sense of commitment and dedication, which are qualities necessary to succeed in refereeing. I wish them well in 2021 when we hope to return to the field.”