AMONG the recent 70 recipients of the SIFF Basic Referee Course is a young trailblazer who is making waves in an unexpected field.
Junior Sade, a 14-year-old from East Fataleka, Malaita province, is taking the first steps towards a groundbreaking career in refereeing, marking a significant milestone as the first-ever young participant to take up refereeing formally in the country.
Inspired by local matches and the passionate display of skill and teamwork, Junior developed a deep love for the game.
However, his aspirations took a unique turn when he decided to pursue refereeing instead of playing.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the referees,” Junior explains.
“They have such an important role in the game, ensuring fairness and integrity. I wanted to be a part of that, to help make the game better for everyone.”
At just 14, Junior’s ambition led him to enroll in the basic refereeing course, a pioneering step for someone of his age in the country – where he skipped school in grade 6 to travel to Honiara.
The course, designed to introduce the fundamentals of officiating, covers essential rules, the importance of impartiality, and the physical and mental demands of the role.
FIFA Badge Assistant Referee, Bernard Mutukera also begin his refereeing career at a very young age.
Bernard gained early exposure and practical knowledge in the field by closely observing and learning from his father, Justin Mutukera, who was actively involved in the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) as the acting Referee Development Officer.
This familial connection and early mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Bernard’s career in football officiating from where he is today – a path Junior now follows formally through the enthusiasm that set him apart.
Despite being the youngest in his cohort, his grasp of the material and on-field presence earned him the respect of his peers and instructors.
SIFF Referee Development Officer, Hamilton Siau, praises his potential: “Junior has a natural understanding of the game and a maturity beyond his years. He’s a quick learner and shows great promise as a referee.”
“I know it’s unusual for someone my age to take up refereeing,” Junior acknowledges.
“But I’m determined to prove that age is just a number. I want to inspire other young people in Malaita and beyond to follow their passions, no matter how different they may seem.”
Junior’s aspirations extend far beyond the basic refereeing course.
He dreams of one day officiating at national and international levels, bringing pride to his own family and home community. His immediate goal is to continue his education, gain more experience in the field, and complete advanced refereeing courses.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received,” he says.
“It motivates me to keep pushing towards my goals. I want to show that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
Young Sade’s pioneering efforts as a young referee are more than just a personal achievement; they are a beacon of inspiration for his peers and his community.
His story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, the importance of breaking barriers, and the impact of community support in nurturing young talent.
As he continues his journey, the future of refereeing in the Solomon Islands looks brighter, driven by the vision and passion of its youngest trailblazer.
