At just 20 years, Helao Tulipohamba is already carving out a name for himself in Namibia’s football refereeing circles.
Born in Windhoek and currently residing in the Goreangab Dam area, Tulipohamba is driven by a strong passion for officiating and gets inspiration from some of the country’s top referees.
“I get my inspiration from Fifa-accredited referees like Eveline Augustinus, Mathew Kanyanga, Joe Paulina and Petrus Amutenya. All I want to do is to follow in their footsteps and see myself reaching their level one day,” said the determined youngster.
Tulipohamba embarked on his refereeing journey in 2024, officiating his very first match in the Khomas Second Division – a clash between Young Generation and Windhoek United. Although he admitted being nervous, he said his confidence was bolstered by a deep desire to be on the pitch, not as a player, but as a decision-maker.
“That first game was a test of nerves, but I knew this was what I wanted. Refereeing is all about making decisions, and I embraced the challenge,” he said.
His talent and commitment did not go unnoticed, and he soon made his way into the Women’s Super League. One of the biggest milestones in his young career so far was being selected as an assistant referee for the 2025 Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup – a national youth tournament watched by scouts and football enthusiasts from across the country.
“That was the biggest tournament I’ve officiated in so far. It was an amazing learning experience, and I’m eagerly awaiting more opportunities like that,” he said.
Tulipohamba acknowledges that being an assistant referee comes with its fair share of challenges, especially the need to make split-second decisions under immense pressure.
“You have to stay focused in a fast-paced and emotionally-charged environment. Decision-making under pressure is the most difficult part, but also the most rewarding,” he noted. When it comes to handling criticism or pressure from players, coaches or even fans, Tulipohamba said he stays composed and professional at all times.
“I always stay calm, and avoid taking things personally I don’t let emotions cloud my judgment. I maintain an authoritative presence and, if needed, I am prepared to explain my decisions after the match. Respect, consistency and confidence are my guiding principles on the field,” he noted.
Throughout his journey, Tulipohamba has been fortunate to have mentors who continue shaping and guiding him. These include respected figures in the officiating community such as Leticia Manga, Ben Nasheda, Lesley Swartbooi and Fransica Katjaimo, who serve as his assessors.
Looking ahead, Tulipohamba has his sights on officiating in the Namibia Premier Football League and at the Cosafa Under-17 tournament. He believes in hard work, discipline and trusting the process.
“My dream is to officiate at the highest levels, and for that to happen, I know I have to put in a lot of hard work in training and always maintain discipline. That’s the key to success.”
To young people who are considering taking up the whistle, Tulipohamba has a clear message:
“The time to start is now. It’s never too late. Focus on training, remain disciplined, be confident, and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes. Nobody is perfect, but as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.”
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na