…. Five match officials successfully passed FIFA Fitness Test
Despite not making it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, it did not stop 31-year-old Solomon Islands match official Bernard Mutukera from pursuing his dreams and working hard to reach the highest level of his refereeing career.
Early in March this year Bernard got the call-up as one of the candidates to officiate at the world stage.
He’s one of the 38 FIFA Men’s Assistant Referees appointed by the FIFA Referee Committee.
Recently he was part of the five officials from the Solomon Islands that participated in the OFC Elite Match Officials seminar at Aut Millennium Sports Institute in Auckland, New Zealand from 26th to 30th April.
The seminar gathered thirty-three top Oceania referees in the region.
All five referees successfully passed their FIFA Fitness Test under the supervision of a FIFA Fitness Instructor. Bernard was given the green light for passing the FIFA requirements.
“I was able to pass my fitness test during the seminar and got confirmation to officiate at the FIFA U20 World Cup next month,” Bernard told SIFF Media.
“I worked hard for these. I was a bit heartbroken when I was unfortunate to attend the big stage in Qatar last year but that did not stop me from chasing my goals, because I believe nothing is impossible with God.
The OFC Elite Match Official seminar has added value to their referee professions, updated them on the new laws of the game, and introduced them to the VAR system for the first time.
“We all achieved what we came for – 100 percent passing our fitness test. I told my colleagues that we have to prove to ourselves that we deserve the FIFA badge and look forward to upcoming competitions,” he said.
The Western province lad said that his father was the motivation behind his success, the determination in doing what he does best without complaining and practicing the virtue of patience.
He made his first appearance officiating on the world stage in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in India and marked his second at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland. He was awarded the Assistant Referee award of the Telekom S-League (TSL) 2021/2022 seasons.
“I always listen to my father’s advice and I’m always thankful for that. All in all, with God all things are possible,” says Bernard.
He will begin his journey to South America next week May 12th, through Australia and New Zealand before traveling to Chile on May 13th en route to Argentina. The competition starts May 20th to June 11th, 2023.
At the FIFA-sanctioned competition, only the best referees will be selected.
The Solomon Islands match officials returned this week.
They are; FIFA Men Referee Ben Aukwai, FIFA Men Assistant Referees Bernard Mutukera and Jefferey Solodia, FIFA Women Assistant Referee Natalia Lumukana, and OFC Women Referee Shama Maemae.
-SIFF Media
