MARGAO
The Goan football fraternity congratulated Uvena Fernandes who brought down curtains on her careers as a FIFA Assistant Referee.
President of the Goa Football Association Dr Caitano Fernandes termed it was sad day for India and Goa in particular in football and said: “Uvena remained one of the best female referees in India. She gained respect in AFC, as well as in other continents through her performance. She is still very fit but has chosen to retire. She will now work as an instructor or referee assessor. She is a good talent and has the required knowledge and experience. I wish her the best in her endeavour. She is role model for Goan girls."
Senior vice-president of Goa Football Association Anthony Pango said that Fernandes has earned the kudos from football fraternity. "I also got an opportunity when she officiated National Games in Goa and described her a true woman who always lend her help in promoting refereeing"
"When it comes to women referees, two names that instantly come to mind are Uvena and Maria. When Uvena became the first Indian women to officiate a FIFA U17 World Cup match, it made every Goan proud of her achievements. Now a days, referees come under intense scrutiny and it is a high pressure job. Uvena did her work well and I can say, attained celebrity status in her field. As she has decided to quit the field, may her expertise be used to train budding referees in future,"said former GFA president Elvis Gomes.
"She has achieved her target for sure, moreover she is still in the AFC elite panel, she has decided to quit maybe she wants to give opportunities to the younger people to take over, I am sure she will join as RA/RI. I wish her all the best," said Maria Rebello AFC Referee Assessors.
