Referee Daniel Laryea, others launch campaign for African referees amid coronavirus pandemic

With the suspension of competitions since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, African match officials have launched #Stayfit campaign to maintain their fitness levels during this difficult period.

In a 6:45 minutes video, a section of Referees and Assistants Referees highlight the importance of physical activities and movements in boosting one’s health status, and the fight against COVID-19 in addition to observing the preventive measures outlined by health authorities.

The match officials are seen engaged in physical exercises either in the gym or at home as they brace up for a return to sporting activities on the continent and beyond with a message of hope “see you soon on the pitch”.

The participants in the video include;

Victor Gomes (South Africa)

Daniel Laryea (Ghana)

Papa Bakary Gassama (Gambia)

Bamlak Tessema (Ethiopia)

Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

Maguette Ndiaye (Senegal)

Elvis Guy Noupue (Cameroon)

Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola)

Dorsaf Ganouati (Tunisia)

Christelle Aurore Ligan (Benin)

Felicia Okwugba Okonji (Nigeria) – CAF Instructor

“It is very important for the referees to continue exercising on their own during this period of no activity. It will help their fitness level and put them in a good shape once football returns. The CAF Refereeing Department is in constant touch with the referees, advice on training regimes as well reminding them to observe the preventive protocols,” said CAF Refereeing Director, Eddy Maillet.

Meanwhile, CAF is monitoring the situation closely and working with the relevant authorities including the Wealth Health Organization (WHO), FIFA amongst others on the impact of the virus on the continent, and will announce developments to our competitions at the appropriate time.