It’s not the first time that Aruba has referees participating in international football matches. Once again, the two referees Ricanchel de Leça and Jade Salamatin have been given the opportunity to be part of a match organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf). They will be present at the Concacaf U-20 Qualifier 2024 championship. On Wednesday, they left for Antigua.
Jade Salamatin, an assistant referee, explained that they are again on the FIFA list. They work hard every week, training at least three to four times a week to keep themselves physically fit and not forgetting the theoretical aspects that are part of it.
Ricanchel de Leça, a referee, sent a message to the referees who are currently working, stating that they need to work hard, especially those who also aspire to become referees. Hard work and effort are crucial. One thing they emphasize is that “fitness is your passport because you can memorize theory from your head, but that doesn’t make you reach the level of a FIFA referee.” First, you need the fitness to be able to run alongside the theory. That way, you can progress, and one day, you may have the FIFA badge.
De Leça has been a FIFA referee for ten years, and it’s not something short-term. He expressed that it’s quite intense, and they started working towards being on the FIFA list in 2015. The most challenging part is maintaining the appropriate condition. The theoretical part, learning every year, and gaining game experience teaches many things. It demands a person both physically and mentally. Remaining on the FIFA list for ten years is not an easy feat.
Salamatin and De Leça have attended different tournaments together. According to De Leça, one of the largest tournaments they attended was the final stage of the Concacaf League. Together, they have traveled far, but sometimes De Leça goes alone to certain games where he received an invitation, and vice versa.
