The annual Pre-Season Elite Training (PET) for top-tier referees officially commenced on Monday, bringing together match officials from the FKF Premier League.
The opening day focused on rigorous fitness assessments aimed at ensuring referees are physically prepared to meet the demands of the modern game.
On the second day, the program shifted to integrated training sessions involving players, simulating real-match scenarios to enhance decision-making under pressure. These integrated sessions will continue for three consecutive days.
Throughout the training, referees are being guided through key areas of match management, including:
- Penalty area incidents
- Positioning and movement
- Freekick situations
- Next phase of play
- Quick transitions
- Offside decision-making
To further enhance learning, each integrated session is followed by video analysis, allowing referees to review their performance and gain deeper insights into game dynamics.
The integrated sessions were introduced to offer practical, in-game experiences—bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-match application.
This year, a total of 58 referees are taking part in the PET program, under the guidance of a highly experienced team led by Lead Technical Instructor Sylvester Kirwa.
He is supported by Assistant Technical Instructor Everlyne Awuori, Monitors Davies Omwenwa and Hesbon Mbogo, as well as Fitness Instructors Richard Obare and Tabitha Njoroge.
The referee training camp will run through to Friday. Following this, match commissioners will undergo their own capacity-building sessions from September 5 to 7, focusing on match assessment and management.
The PET continues to be a key pillar in the Federation’s strategy to elevate officiating standards, ensuring referees are fully equipped to manage the pace and intensity of FKF Premier League matches.