24
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 21, 2017
Ranzolin Durga: Chasing his dream to become a FIFA referee By Elroy Stephney
A PASSION for football has ultimately led to Ranzolin Durga’s enthusiasm to become a football referee. The affable Durga, 27, who hails from Reliance on the Essequibo Coast, has now set his sights in becoming a qualified FIFA referee. In this regard, the former teacher who taught at the Charity Secondary School, has been blowing the whistle in excess of two years and officiating in matches in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 7. He is a member of the Essequibo Refereeing Association where he has been instrumental in providing administrative and technical support to the organisation. Speaking with Chronicle Sport, Durga expressed delight in choosing refereeing as his ultimate goal, adding that his priority now is to become an Assistant FIFA Referee. The supremely fit Durga, stated that he trains four times a week which includes long distance running, abdominal exercises and going through his physical techni-
cal routine as a refresher. Durga, who is of Amerindian descent, has already made a positive impact in enhancing the quality of refereeing, primarily on the Essequibo Coast, while being well respected by his peers and players. He has become an astute reader of the game, he applies the rules firmly and is well-known to exercise zero tolerance on indiscipline on the field. He has also expressed his willingness to impart his knowledge to other aspiring referees and has since encouraged those with a passion for the game to join the association since he disclosed that the experience can be life-changing and awesome. Meanwhile, the multi-talented official is also a Youth Development coach having been contracted by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and assigned to the Academy Training Centre in Essequibo. His task entails three days of coaching as well as promoting grassroots training on weekends at various venues across Region 2 includ-
ing the Pomeroon districts. “I love football in all dimensions, hence my commitment and dedication
Twenty-seven-year-old Ranzolin Durga
to serve the sport most diligently.” he confidently remarked, adding that his
Pakistan batsman banned for five years after spot-fixing inquiry
Khalid Latif has played five one-day and 13 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan.
PAKISTAN batsman Khalid Latif has been banned from cricket for five years for his part in a spot-fixing ring. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tribunal handed down the punishment after finding Latif guilty of all charges at a hearing yesterday, The PCB has been conducting a long-running investigation into corruption in the Twenty20 Pakistan Super League. Latif, 31, has played five one-day internationals and 13 Twenty20 internationals
for Pakistan. He was fined one million Pakistan rupees (£7 020) after being found guilty of fixing or taking a bribe to underperform, failing to disclose corrupt approaches and soliciting players into corrupt acts. Fellow Islamabad United batsman Sharjeel Khan was also banned for five years last month, with two and a half years of his ban suspended. Spot-fixing is where the outcome of a particular passage of play is pre-determined, as
hobbies also include swimming and interacting with youths. The sport is gradually
opposed to fixing the outcome of a match. All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz and seamer Mohammad Irfan have also been sanctioned as part of the inquiry after they failed to report suspicious approaches. A number of other players have also been questioned or suspended during the inquiry. Britain’s National Crime Agency provided the initial intelligence that led to the PCB investigation. (BBC Sport)
reclaiming its popularity in Essequibo after a prolonged dormancy and the absence of
a representative body. However, with the installation of an executive arm under the auspices of the Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon Football Association, Durga is of the view that football is on the rise in the county. Notwithstanding this observation though, he contended that more assistance is needed for the local body including exposure, training and competitions that will test the ability and competence of both players and referees. He has since extended an appeal to the parent body of the Football and Refereeing Federations to facilitate frequent interaction that will enable players and officials to be better informed of changes in the law, reforms to coaching including adopting different methods, as well as providing more opportunities for individuals to participate at the national, regional and international levels. Durga also expressed admiration for his fellow Essequibian-born Sherwin Moore whose outstanding performance as a Referee has catapulted him to the
highest level of participation. “Moore has certainly inspired us to achieve excellence, which he asserted will be achieved through perseverance, love for the game as well as the willingness to adapt to the constant changes in the law.” He has since committed himself towards achieving those attributes on his way to becoming another proud FIFA referee and representing his country wherever duty calls. “There are existing challenges, but I’m prepared to confront them with conviction and sincerity in order to be considered as a servant of the game.” Ranzolin Durga remains a bright prospect and while his journey has just begun, he has already exhibited tremendous maturity, knowledge and assertiveness of the game, which has been constantly evolving and requires such qualities for officials to remain relevant. Expectations are high for the confident young official whose dream of becoming a FIFA Referee is fast becoming a reality.
Real Madrid stunned by last-gasp Sanabria header for Betis
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in action with Betis’ Aissa Mandi. (REUTERS/Sergio Perez)
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) Real Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis yesterday as an inspired performance from their former goalkeeper Antonio Adan and a stoppage-time winner from Antonio Sanabria stunned the Liga champions. Sanabria had an effort disallowed for offside in the final minute of normal time, but rose highest to head in a 94th minute winner to secure a memorable
backs-to-the-wall victory. The defeat leaves Real Madrid without a win in their three home La Liga games this season and in seventh place in the table, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, who beat Eibar 6-1 on Tuesday. In an eventful first half, both sides exchanged efforts with Sanabria and Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo seeing efforts cleared off the line in the early stages.
Both teams’ goalkeepers pulled off smart saves as the honours remained even heading into the break, but Madrid cranked up the pressure after the restart, laying siege to Adan’s goal. Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale both hit the woodwork and Real Madrid’s youth team product Adan pulled off a number of stunning saves in to frustrate the home crowd.