The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has presented match officials Sherwin Johnson and Kleon Lindey with their official 2022 FIFA badges, while also recognizing the efforts of several local referees during the 2021 year-end tournament.
According to a relase from the federation, Referee Johnson and Assistant Referee Lindey received their badges after maintaining their places on the 2022 FIFA International Lists.
This enables the duo to officiate at FIFA-sanctioned international matches. Johnson has been featured on the list since 2012 while Lindey has been part of the selection since 2015.
GFF Executive Committee Member and Head of Refereeing Dion Inniss said, “Congratulations for acceding again to the list of international referees. My hope is that this year, we can have more tournaments, whether locally or regionally, so people can be exposed to showcase their skills. I can easily think of at least four other persons who are knocking on the door and can be out there representing us at the highest level.”
According to Inniss, experienced FIFA referee Maurees Skeete was unable to make this year’s selection owing to injuries and work-related commitments. However, he stated, “On behalf of the GFF and the entire football fraternity, I would like to thank her for her service to football over the years. She has indicated to me that she would want to continue in another area of refereeing, possibly as an instructor, and that is very good news – for her to be a mentor to other girls that are coming through.”
GFF President Wayne Forde praised the work ethic of Johnson and Lindey, adding, “I know you gentlemen would have earned your place as seasoned, tried and tested professionals. You carry quite a burden of responsibility when you step out on the international arena. You represent the national association and we want to assure you of our continued support, and wish you every success in 2022.”
Meanwhile, the quartet of Kenisha Prescott, Andre Foster, Colin Abel and Mian McPherson formed part of the honour roll for the GFF 2021 officials, following quality displays in the GFF-Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) Super 16 Cup, the GFF-Guyana National Women’s Football Association Women’s Super 16 Festival and the GFF-K&S Futsal Championship.
Inniss stated, “These referees were very outstanding during the tournaments that we had. I am truly proud of your on-field performances. You were always available and ready to go, so not only outstanding but very reliable and committed to the cause.”
Likewise, Forde said, “You are a credit to yourselves and to the fraternity in that, despite the inactivity we have had over an extended period due to the pandemic, you were able to come forward and deliver very credible performances.”
