SHAMA Maemae is the first female Solomon Islander to earn a FIFA badge as a center referee.
FIFA confirmed accreditation following the release of the FIFA International List of Match Officials for 2024 sent to the federation referee department earlier this month.
The 29-year-old joins 7 other Solomon Islands referees, assistant referees, futsal referees, and beach soccer referees with FIFA badges assigned for the year.
“It’s through perseverance and commitment to reach this far,” Shama shared.
“A journey that I have sacrificed to achieve, and it’s a dream come true. I’ve worked very hard to get that badge because I believe in everything I do and break barriers.
She now blazes the trails in making history setting a high energy for other aspiring females in the country.
“I thank everyone who has supported and believed in me. My instructors are the ones that guided and assisted me through since I was an intern,” she said.
She dedicated her achievement to her mum.
Shama and FIFA badge assistant referee Natalia Lumukana are the only 2 females on the FIFA referee list for this year.
Solomon Islands FIFA Match Officials for 2024
| RANK | NAME | ROLES | INTERNATIONAL SINCE | GENDER |
| 1 | Ben Ariel Aukwai | Referee | 2022 | Male |
| 2 | Shama Maemae | Referee | 2024 | Female |
| 3 | Natalia Lumukana | Assistant Referee | 2019 | Female |
| 4 | Bernard Mutukera | Assistant Referee | 2015 | Male |
| 5 | Jefferey Solodia Asipara | Assistant Referee | 2015 | Male |
| 6 | Rex Kamusu | Futsal Referee | 2011 | Male |
| 7 | Philip Mana | Futsal Referee | 2011 | Male |
| 8 | Hugo Pado | Beach Soccer Referee | 2010 | Male |
