Meet the three female referees who participated in the Rugby League Coaching and Match Officials Course in Kenya

 

Kenya Rugby League Federation on 2nd April officially launched a five day Rugby League Coaching and match official course training workshop which took place at Shalom Centre - Ngong Road.

The workshop which was funded by the Rugby League World Cup 2021 International Development Programme with additional resources from UK Sport, European Rugby League, International Rugby League and the Kenya Rugby League Federation had representatives from Eight African nations – Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, DR Congo and Burundi participating.

Amongst these representatives were Esther Nyambura, Irene Auma, and Sarah Brendah who happened to be the only three female referees in the workshop.

Meet Esther Nyambura,a Referee from Kenya.

She got involved in Rugby League 6 months ago. She learnt about it through social media and decided to register.

 Challenges

"Fitness levels, feeling out of place i.e being the only female on the pitch. Sometimes not being taken that seriously, lack of support(financially, mentally)"

Her View on Coaching & Match Officials Course

"I think the support system is great from our officials. Also facilitation of our development in terms of education and growth is okay"

Meet Sarah Brendah Owano, Referee from Kenya.

She heard about Rugby League in 2020 but because of Covid she couldn't get involved. In 2022, she finally got her chance. 

Challenges

"We don't get involved in any plan making whether as a player or official that much. And most decisions don't give result when it's a woman's point of view. Plus after the game whether we women play or not, we are left to manage ourselves ,with nothing to even motivate us,leading to fewer women in the sport."

Her View on Coaching & Match Officials Course

"It was the best thing that ever happened to me; just having people with the love of the sport come to train us and give us the full skills on the sport in refereeing and coaching to the highest level. I'm proud to get the knowledge for free.That's something I can't take for granted"

Meet Irene Auma Namai, a Referee from Kenya.

She learnt about Rugby League from social media.She was then invited for a workshop and participated for the first time. Unfortunately because of covid she had to take a break.Fast forward, she was called for another workshop which she learnt more about officiating. 

Challenges

"My challenges include my fitness level. Also because we are few sometimes i feel shy. Some of the players get shocked to see me referring because I'm a woman hence they tend to test my knowledge of the game ."

Her View on Coaching & Match Officials Course

"The coaching course was awesome learnt more about the game and l am ready for the task ahead.The course will bring a good impact to our game in kenya"

Kudos to these amazing ladies for taking such a bold step. Hopefully more ladies would participate soon.