Big refereeing dreams for teenagers

Among the 70 recent winners of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Referee Basics Course is a young pioneer who is making waves in an unexpected field.

Junior Sade, a 14-year-old from East Fataleka, Malaita Province, takes the first steps towards a groundbreaking refereeing career, marking a milestone as the first youth participant to officially venture into refereeing in the country.

Inspired by local matches and the passionate display of skill and teamwork, Junior developed a deep love for the game.

However, his aspirations took a unique turn when he decided to become a referee instead of playing.

“I’ve always been fascinated by referees,” Junior explains.

“They have a very important role in the game, ensuring fairness and integrity. I wanted to be a part of it, to help make the game better for everyone.

At just 14 years old, Junior's ambition led him to enroll in the Refereeing Basics Course, a pioneering step for someone his age in the country – where he skipped school in Grade 6 to get to Honiara.

The course, designed to introduce the fundamentals of refereeing, covers the essential rules, the importance of impartiality and the physical and mental demands of the role.

FIFA Badge assistant referee, Bernard Mutukera also started his refereeing career at a very young age.

Bernard gained exposure and practical knowledge in the field early on by closely observing and learning from his father, Justin Mutukera, who was actively involved in the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) as Acting Head of Development referees.

This family connection and early mentorship played a crucial role in Bernard's football career where he is today – a path Junior is now formally following thanks to the enthusiasm that sets him apart.

Although he is the youngest in his cohort, his mastery of the material and his presence in the field have earned him the respect of his peers and instructors.

Hamilton Siau, head of referee development at SIFF, praises his potential: “Junior has a natural understanding of the game and a maturity beyond his years. He learns quickly and shows great promise as a referee.

“I know it’s unusual for someone my age to go into refereeing,” Junior admits.

“But I’m determined to prove that age is just a number.” I want to inspire other young people in Malaita and beyond to follow their passions, no matter how different they may seem.

The aspirations of juniors extend well beyond the basic refereeing course.

He dreams of one day officiating at the national and international levels, bringing pride to his own family and his home community. His immediate goal is to continue his studies, gain more experience in the field and take advanced refereeing courses.

“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” he says.

“It motivates me to continue moving towards my goals. I want to show that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Young Sade's pioneering efforts as a young referee are more than just a personal achievement; they are a source of inspiration for their peers and their community.

Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion, the importance of breaking barriers, and the impact of community support in nurturing young talent.

As he continues his journey, the future of refereeing in the Solomon Islands looks brighter, driven by the vision and passion of its youngest pioneer.

Source: Press release, SIFF Media