Balancing the whistle and the books is no easy feat, but MTC HopSol Youth League official Paulus Toivo just proved it is entirely possible.
Toivo (27) recently walked the stage at the University of Namibia, securing an Honours degree in Public Management.
Though his initial dream of studying education was sidelined, he pivoted to public management, balancing four years of youth league officiating with rigorous university studies to emerge victorious.
“I went back to my research, and I found out about public management. I studied public management for four years,” he said.
Raised by his aunt and uncle in the north, Toivo came to the city of bright lights to further his studies after completing secondary school at Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School.
“It was not an easy journey coming here from the north. I was even new in the city. You do not know where to stay. You are living on your own. In the north, we were living as a family. You did not need to worry about what you were eating. If you move here to Windhoek, you will be staying alone. So, you have to figure it out now.
Toivo said he struggled to find a balance, especially when he settled down in Katutura’s Goreangab Dam area, where noise pollution and constant activity occur day and night.
“Staying in Katutura is not easy; there is noise everywhere. There is a lot of distraction. You have to be focused. You must know what you want and then claim your prize. You just have to believe in yourself,” he shared.
Because I believe a course like that is expensive. In my first year, when I got admitted, my uncle was there to fund me. He helped me with the registration money. And then I got lucky. I got a loan from NSFAF,” he said.
Neighbourhood inspiration
In his neighbourhood, Toivo regularly watched football matches and admired how officials displayed authority on the field.
“You know, refereeing is not just about whistling. You are learning. You are learning how to talk to people, engage, and be confident in yourself. Because it involves making decisions and quick thinking. And then just to control everything.”
In 2020, he attended a refereeing course with the Namibia Football Association and earned a beginner’s certificate, which launched his career on the pitch and led him to the MTC HopSol Youth League, where he officiates almost every weekend when the league is active.
“My friend introduced me to Miss Cynthea Balzar, the league administrator. I handled my first game in 2021. Ever since then, I have been part of the league,” shared the sports fanatic.
Sport dedication
Balzar noted that Toivo’s dedication since he began has been outstanding and meets all expectations, demonstrating professionalism at every game he officiates.
“His work performance was what I expected from a loyal referee, since then I used him in other positions as well. Inspection of player cards, helping with the end-of-year awards,” she said.
“It is good to see that referees take initiative after games to study and earn a degree, as the referee job will also end due to age,” she added.
Additionally, “I am very pleased if the Hopsol platform can inspire referees to achieve more than just their on-field duties. It demonstrates that trust, motivation, and a strong working relationship can help anyone working for Hopsol reach great heights.”
For now, Toivo has joined the long line of graduates searching for jobs, but he believes his refereeing career keeps him grounded and busy, and he’s confident that someday a door will open for him.
-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na