…GFF sees positive returns for investment in referees
Three referees attached to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF): Kenisha Prescott, Brandon Cyrus, and Safiya Goulding, are officiating at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys Under-14 Challenge Series being held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 16-24.
This milestone is a testament to the GFF’s rigorous training programmes which are designed to produce referees of the highest calibre, ready to excel on regional and international stages.
Following their recent intensive training and fitness sessions, these officials have shown exceptional promise, earning the opportunity to gain valuable regional experience at this significant tournament.
The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Series is a highly competitive tournament which usually takes place biennially, and is a key developmental platform that showcases young talent from across the Caribbean. Kenisha Prescott, who recently returned from officiating at the CONCACAF Girls Under-15 Championship in Costa Rica, is one of the referees whose hard work and dedication have been recognized by this selection.
The three Guyanese referees officiating at the CFU U14 Challenge series
Prescott credits the GFF’s training programmes for helping her elevate her game to new heights. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be here to showcase my talent, which will help me to elevate to the next level,” Prescott shared, and added, “I set realistic short-term goals and try to achieve them. So, I would try in each tournament, I would try to reach the semifinals or finals. And once I achieve that goal, it would aid me in achieving my larger goal, which is to attend a Gold Cup, a World Cup.”
Brandon Cyrus, who has been officiating for approximately seven years, is another referee who has greatly benefitted from the GFF’s structured development programmes. Acknowledging the importance of mentorship and guidance provided by the GFF, Cyrus said, “Firstly, I need to acknowledge the fact that the opportunity of even being here is a very special thing to me… None of this would be possible for me without my mentors… These people have helped craft me and shaped me in such a way that I am ready to take on any obstacle ahead.”
He emphasized, “What I have to say to the others home is it’s not impossible. So, I invite you to have a clear mind and be ready, have a good work ethic, and it’s always possible to achieve any goal.”
At just 19 years old, Safiya Goulding represents the future of refereeing in Guyana. Despite her youth, she has already begun to make her mark by officiating in the Elite League. Her selection for the CFU Challenge Series is a clear indication of her potential and the effectiveness of the GFF’s training programmes.
“For me, being at this tournament, it’s a very big deal…What motivates me is seeing other referees develop. And I always tell myself that, hey, I want to meet this level. So, I have to work towards meeting this level.”
She advised her colleagues back home, “Just stay focused, stay motivated…Just keep working towards what you want, and you will see the opportunities that they have out here for you.”
The GFF is committed to continuing its investment in the development of referees across Guyana, ensuring that they are not only prepared to officiate at regional events like the CFU Challenge Series, but also are ready to take on international assignments.
The Federation’s goal is to produce world-class officials who can represent Guyana with pride and professionalism on the global stage.
