Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Chinese referee Zhang Chen feels lucky to have a father, former second division referee in China Zhang Yue Chen, who is helping him to be a top Asian and world referee in the future.
Chen, who is now taking part in a selection course for Batch 2011 of AFC Project Future Referees, is taking the advice of his father seriously.
He said: “My father always tells me that a big challenge awaits me in my quest to be a top referee. He says to be a good referee, I need to be a quick decision maker and have a clear mind during matches especially tough matches.
“He also always tells me that these character traits are a good foundation for my future career, and I plan to be a physical education teacher once I complete my bachelor degree study.
“The one piece of advice from my 50-year-old father that I take to heart is that ‘practice makes perfect’. I always strive to grab any opportunity to hone my refereeing skills.”
Chen is one of 20 young referees taking part in the course in Kuala Lumpur from 3 to 8 November for Batch 2011 of Project Future Referees, AFC’s two-year referee grooming project.
The 23-year-old referee also feels fortunate for the experience to join selection for the elite refereeing development programme of the AFC which some current top referees have never get a chance to have.
“My refereeing role model is the three-time AFC Referee of the Year, Ravshan Irmatov, who is a modest and diligent guy. He’s still young but has already performed in important matches in Asia and the World Cup,” he said.
“Ravshan never had the chance to join Project Future Referees but he’s made it. I think I feel lucky to have the experience to have a shot at joining the elite refereeing programme in the continent.
“I’m working hard to pass selection and get on board Batch 20011 of PF Referees,” he hoped.