Guyanese duo make their mark at CFU Referee Course

Two of Guyana’s rising stars in football officiating have successfully completed the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Next Generation Referee Course.

Sherwin Alli and Alliyah Antigua were among 24 officials from across 15 Caribbean nations who descended on St Kitts and Nevis for an intensive three-day developmental programme.

The course, which concluded on Sunday, combined gruelling fitness assessments with high-level technical sessions on handball interpretation and penalty-area management.

For Sherwin Alli, the 2026 programme served as a platform to confirm his status as one of the region’s most promising talents.

Having already established himself in the domestic Super 16 Cup and Elite League, Alli walked away from the course with both the Peer Award and the Leadership Award—high praise from his contemporaries and instructors alike.

“It’s about maintaining professionalism on and off the field,” said Alli, who hails from Kamarang in Region 7.

For a man who started his journey in one of Guyana’s more remote districts, the goal is now clear: the FIFA International List.

While Alli is a familiar face at this level, Alliyah Antigua made her NextGen debut following a breakout 2025 season.

Antigua’s inclusion reflects the widening pathways for women in Guyanese football. After impressing in the Women’s Development League, her transition to the regional stage in St Kitts marks a significant step toward international recognition.

Beyond the drills and classroom sessions, there was a poignant moment for the Guyanese contingent.

The programme observed a minute’s silence to honour the late Maurees Skeete, the trailblazing Guyanese referee whose impact on Caribbean officiating continues to be felt.

For Alli and Antigua, the tribute served as a reminder of the “Elite” legacy they are now tasked with carrying forward.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) confirmed the duo’s success as part of a wider “milestone” for the country’s refereeing standards, with both officials expected to return to domestic duties with an expanded international network and a refined tactical approach to game management.