MBABANE – In a move aimed at elevating the standards of officiating in local football, the Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) has introduced national badges for referees officiating in top-flight competitions.
The initiative, described as a major step towards professionalising refereeing in the country, seeks to align Eswatini’s match officials with international best practices and regional standards observed within the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA).
ERA Secretary Mbongeni Shongwe confirmed that the rollout marks the first time Eswatini referees will wear official national association badges. The badges will be issued to referees operating in the MTN Premier League and MulaSport National First Division (NFD).
“This is about setting a clear benchmark for our top referees,” Shongwe said. “It ensures transparency and motivates officials in lower leagues to work their way up.”
The badges will also serve as a performance-based accreditation, reviewed annually. Officials will be rated on their season performance, with promotion or demotion dependent on their scores.
Shongwe added that the system will not only enhance accountability but also serve as motivation for referees aspiring to reach elite levels. “It will elevate the standard of officiating across the country and create a clear pathway for growth,” he said.
However, the initiative excludes referees who already hold FIFA accreditation, as they will continue using international badges.
The move draws parallels with systems used by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other COSAFA member nations. Similar reforms in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) in the 1990s helped professionalise officiating, combat match-fixing, and reinforce referee authority.
By launching the badges, the ERA and Eswatini Football Association (EFA) signal a shared commitment to improving the credibility, professionalism, and integrity of refereeing within local football.
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