Dote Charles Costa, 19, has earned himself a certificate of recognition for being the youngest South Sudanese football referee.

Costa who hails from Yambio, Western Equatoria State, is among the most promising South Sudanese assistant referees.

While still learning the ropes of the game, Costa has received praises from many football fans for his fair judgment that transcend the abilities of his age.

He was feted last week during the five days’ training workshop to build the standard of the Referees of South Sudan Football Association.

“I am happy for choosing this career, although a lot of people used to say it is for the old-age group. For me, I took it as something that a young man like me can even do better if only they are involved and educated about it,” Costa stressed.

He said being an assistant referee was something big in his life and his attention was always on helping the central referees on offsides, technical fouls and other things that the centre referee cannot see.

“I am happy and comfortable with it. I am taking it seriously as my full job. I am encouraging my fellow youth to join me because being recognised by the CAF at this stage was a big achievement,” Costa stressed.

He believed that one day he will present his country in regional or international competitions.

He said: “I am hoping for regional and international participation, I need to work very hard and diligently to achieve all this dream and help in the development of football in my country because I feel I still need more.”

The five days’ workshop was organised by the International Federation of Football (FIFA) under the supervision of the Chairperson of the Referees Committee at Confederation of African Football (CAF) Mr Ntagungira Celestin.

The workshop tackled many topics including practical and theoretical for the active referees and assessors from 16 local football associations in the country. It attracted over 30 referees. 

The aim was for the referees to acquire modern knowledge to help them to develop and perform their duties as is expected in football’s laws.