The initiative “Dressing Referees for the Beauty of the Game” in Togo, organized by the National Association of Referees of Togo (ANAFOOT) and supported by the mobile telephone company Togo Cellular, recently held a ceremony in Lomé. Around a hundred referees officiating in the 1st division football matches in Togo were part of this project.
The goal of the ceremony was to enhance the image and splendor of the referee corporation on the playing field. Djaoupé Kokou Claude, the director and coordinator of the project, mentioned that the selected referees had undergone a recent test before being chosen. As part of the project, the referees were provided with four sets of jerseys in different colors (black, lime green, light blue, and ash), along with shorts, socks, and shoes.
During the ceremony, the referees received the material from the managers of Togo Cellular, and in response, they expressed gratitude towards the donors. The material manager of the referees, Attiogbé Kossi, mentioned that the new attire would make them look more presentable, and they believed that players would now respect them for their clothing. Togocel and ANAFOOT were acknowledged for their contributions.
Representatives from the Togolese Football Federation also attended the ceremony. Hervé Piza, the 1st vice president representing the president, applauded the initiative and expressed hopes that it would enable referees to practice in good conditions. He encouraged the association to make judicious use of the support provided.
The ANAFOOT executive office, established in 2007, took the opportunity during the ceremony to present the rest of its projects. The event was marked by souvenir photos and family pictures, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
