In a bittersweet moment for African football, Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema has announced his retirement following his role as referee in the CAF Champions League final second-leg game between Wydad AC and Al Ahly in Casablanca.
The 43-year-old Ethiopian referee’s remarkable career saw him officiate numerous high-profile African international tournaments, World Cup qualifiers, and even participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as a support official. However, his adept use of VAR technology during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Senegal and Burkina Faso will be remembered as one of his most significant contributions to African football.
In his last public interview, Tessema gave advice to those wishing to take the referee role not to shy away as there are many benefits. “You have to be passionate about the game. You won’t get rich, but you will travel to a lot of countries, and you can enhance your reputation in your country and be as famous as some football stars if you succeed,” Tessema told reporters. “There is an amazing satisfaction – which is very hard to describe – when you are controlling games in a peaceful way and the responsibility which comes with it. It gives you great pleasure if conducted in the right way and etiquette. If you can control your emotions, it’s a good profession for you.” It is worth noting that Bamlak Tessema also officiated the 2017 CAF Champions League final between the same teams, Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca.
Source: Pulse Sports