The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected 35 elite referees from different African countries to attend a special training camp in Cairo, Egypt, as part of preparations for the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup this season. Tanzania will be represented by referee Ahmed Arajiga, who is among those selected to undergo specialised training ahead of the competitions.
Arajiga’s selection places Tanzania among the countries with one representative each, alongside Somalia, Chad, Senegal, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, DR Congo, Ghana, Zambia, Burundi and Zimbabwe. Other notable referees on the list include Somalia’s Omar Artan, Ghana’s Daniel Laryea, DR Congo’s Jean Jacques Ndala and Burundi’s Pacifique Ndabihawenimana. Their participation reflects the broad representation of African nations in preparations for the continent’s club competitions.
Of the 35 selected referees, 15 will receive specialised training on the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. The system is designed to help match officials make more accurate decisions on key incidents, including goals, penalty decisions and offences that may warrant a direct red card. The use of this technology during the group stages would mark an important step towards improving refereeing standards in African football.
The training camp is scheduled to take place from November 18 to 23, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt, as part of the final preparations ahead of the group-stage matches, which are expected to begin in late November. The referees will have an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the Laws of the Game, refereeing techniques and the use of technology in high-level international competitions.
For Tanzania, Ahmed Arajiga’s selection provides an important opportunity to maintain the country’s representation among CAF referees at major continental competitions. The training is expected to help him improve his skills and international experience as he prepares for the challenges of officiating highly competitive matches.
