In preparation for the upcoming National Referees’ Fitness Test, the Gombe State Football Referees Council conducted a mock fitness test for its members. The exercise aims to ensure referees are physically and mentally prepared as the official fitness test approaches.
Secretary of the Council, Ishaya Usman, highlighted that the exercise is crucial for referees to fine-tune their fitness levels ahead of the National Exercise scheduled in a week. According to Usman, Over 50 referees are participating in the mock test, including 11 who are traveling to Abuja for the Premier League Referees Fitness Test.
The male referees completed a 23-minute run during the physical tests, while their female counterparts ran for 27 minutes. The exercise included warm-up sessions, short runs, and 12 laps covering 40 meters each.
Usman applauded the training officer, Haruna Isah Kalshingi, and his deputy, Goni, for their dedication and tireless efforts in preparing the referees.
The Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association (FA), Mr. Philibus Yakubu Sarma, was represented by his deputy, Ibrahim Mijin Yawa, at the event. In his remarks, he commended the referees’ council for organizing the fitness test, describing it as the first of its kind in the state. He further assured the council of continuous support and collaboration with the association.
Mijin Yawa urged the referees to take the mock test seriously to improve their chances of excelling at the national exercise and making Gombe State proud.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Gombe State Referees Advisory Council and Former Gombe State FA Chairman Alhaji Auwalu Musa Umar, expressed optimism about the future. He believes that With the current crop of young referees, Gombe State could produce several FIFA referees in the coming years.
Umar, who is also a member of the NFF Finance Committee, praised the referees for their performance during the ongoing State League One and the previous Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. He advised them to continue mastering the laws of the game and seek guidance from experienced colleagues.
