Namibian referee could officiate at AFCON finals

A top rated Namibian referee Mathew Katjimune could officiate at the AFCON final showdown billed for Ghana early next year.

Katjimune will attend a pre-selection event at a place and venue yet to be made public.

Speaking at a media briefing Monday the NFA Acting Secretary-General, Barry Rukoro, said Katjimune will attend the pre-selection event with fellow elite referees and if successful the no-nonsense referee will be one of the “men in black” at the continental showpiece.

Katjimune said he did not anticipate the call-up and that it came as a shock. He almost quit refereeing following some misunderstandings which were pomptly resolved.

“It is difficult to be a referee as the environment is quite tough. It's tough because players, team officials and supporters are quick to point a finger without understanding the laws of the game,” said Katjimune.

He, however, promised to be disciplined and committed, adding that he will try his level best as there are only a handful of international referees from southern Africa.

Rukoro congratulated Katjimune for his outstanding display as referee. The NFA chief administrator also praised National Referees Director, Edwardth Ndjadila for ever improving the standard of refereeing in the country.

Rukoro made the remarks at a media briefing held at the Soccer House on Monday. Ndjadila was named the best administrator at the NFA Awards Ceremony this year.

Matthaus eyes African challenge

German legend Lothar Matthaus says he would relish a return to the international scene by coaching a top African country.
Matthaus, who led his country to the World Cup in 1990, has not coached since June this year when he was forced to quit Red Bull Salzburg.
Having coached the Hungarian national team in 2004, the former World Player of the Year is keen on making a comeback on the international scene by coaching in Africa.
"Of course I am interested in becoming the coach of one of the top African national teams," Matthaus told BBC Sport.
"It would surely be a great mission for me in my coaching career and it would be really great to develop something there.
"I have always been interested in African football because of its great players and I want to be part of nurturing some of the exciting talent.
"African has the potential to cause major upsets at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa because of its talent and I am ready to provide a concept for success."

The former Germany many captain was full of praise for African players playing their trade in Europe saying they have contributed immensely to the growth of the game on both continents.
"African football has developed a lot in the last ten years," addded Matthaus, who played at five World Cups since 1982.
" No top team in Europe can stay at the top of competition without players from Africa.
"If you watched the Under 17 World Cup [which has just ended in South Korea] you would have noted that Nigeria and Ghana won against countries like Brazil and Argentina - this says it all.
"Players like (Didier) Drogba, (Michael) Essien, (Samuel) Eto'o, (Stephen) Appiah and (Freddy) Kanoute are have excelled in Europe and are world-class players."