Vistoria Shangula
Fifa-accredited referee
CAF Elite B Referees Course
Caf Elite ‘A’ Women Referees Course
Namibia’s top female referee recently officiated the friendly game between Banyana Banyana and Botswana in South Africa. This week, she shares with us her upbringing and football career, which led her to become the country’s most sought-after female referee.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in Omaha and started playing football in 2010. I have loved football since childhood. I started playing with the boys at an early age. Like many, I used to play street football at school. We were that group that did not listen at school (she chuckles).
How did you do during your playing days on the field?
I have been fortunate enough to have represented my country at the under-17 and 20 levels, then I graduated to the senior team. I really enjoyed playing football, which I called time to my playing days in 2017 when I played in the Cosafa tournament in Zimbabwe.
How did the referee bug bite?
Well, refereeing started as a joke. I found people going to a fitness test, and I joined the two ladies. It was not my intention to even sign up. Somewhere along the line in 2017, I saw my name appear on the Fifa panel. So I said to myself, let me try; if I don’t like it, then I’d rather go back to playing again. But in the long run, I enjoyed being a ref, as it started giving me more confidence because I am officiating both women’s and men’s matches.
What do you enjoy most about being a referee?
Sometimes, I end up watching the game; that’s how much fun I have when I am on the field. I am right there when fouls are committed. Following players when they are with the ball is the best part of it – instead of me playing.
What have been the biggest challenges that you have faced?
I must say that the country did not have an active football league for a very long time. That was tough. But Fifa and Caf
nominated me to go outside the country to officiate some matches during that period. It is always up to the referees to keep themselves fit all the time because they can get a call-up from the regional continental or world mother bodies at any time to fly out.
Apart from duties outside, what kept you busy at that time?
Youth development helped us a lot, especially the HopSol Youth League, which was active almost every weekend for 10 months of the year. There were social leagues that were quite busy, with some clubs organising their tournaments.
What are your thoughts on the HopSol Youth League?
It is a great platform because they always give women a chance to better themselves. They give a good moral boost, as you get to officiate the under-13s, 15, 17 and 19s. You come and learn here and make your mistakes so you can grow and polish your skills.
Are there a lot of female referees in the country?
We currently have two referees and three assistants, which is a good pair, but we need more ladies to come on board. If we could have a pair of four refs and four assistants, it would be ideal because we could help each other keep fit.
What opportunities are there for female referees?
There are a lot of good opportunities, especially when you get chosen to go and officiate outside the country. That would mean you are one of the best in your country. I can go and learn different methods and gain experience, which I bring back and share with my colleagues. One also gets paid way better when on international duty.
What are your biggest achievements so far?
Wow! There are so many, especially going outside of Namibia. I recently came back from officiating the Banyana Banyana game against Botswana. I took two assistants as well from here, who are Eveline Lungameni and Olivia Amuku. The time is now to show that Namibia has quality referees. I also became the referee of the year last year at
the Namibian Sports Awards, which is something I never thought would happen to
me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring female referees or officials?
There are lots of opportunities to be a coach, referee, medic or player; the problem is that we do not want to volunteer. So, some just end up in the streets doing nothing. There are opportunities for you to take advantage of, so you can make something for yourself instead of asking for handouts.