Hussein who is a seventh form student at Kamil Muslim College in Ba is one of the many young talents being developed by the Fiji Football Referees Association.
The 17-year old started officiating in 2009 and got a break during the 2010 Courts Inter District Championship in Suva. He maintained his good form which also saw him being part of the referee’s panel at the recent Vodafone Fiji FACT at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
“My interest to become a referee started when I was in form 3. I used to go and watch referees officiate at the local league and other games. One day I approached Mohammed Kazim (President of Fiji Referees Association) and told him that I wanted to become a referee.
“He was very helpful and gave me referees Law Book to read. He assured me that I can become a good referee and with his encouragement I took up refereeing. I sat for the referees exams and passed with good marks. I later joined the Ba Referees Association. I would like to thank all members of Ba Referees Association, Mohammed Kazim, the President of FFRA who has been my mentor and my pillar of strength. He has been very helpful and supportive of me, Director of Referees, Chandra Segran, all my referee colleagues, my Principal, teachers and all student of Kamil Muslim College who have all been supporting me throughout, the referee inspectors and assessors,” Hussein said.
Despite the recent success the young lad is well aware that the long road to glory has just begun.
“I have been accredited as a class 3 referee and received my class 3 certificate in 2010. I was so lucky that I got a chance to officiate in the Primary School Finals. I was also part of the referee’s panel for the Fiji Fact in 2011. Since 2010 I have been officiating in the National League games.
“My dream is to earn a FIFA badge one day and officiate in major international competition. With the support and hard work from my side I’m sure I will make it one day,”he said.
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