Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini, [email protected]
PRIMROSE Minenhle Gumbo, a proficient youth referee at only 20 years of age, has significantly impacted the world of local football.
Recently, she was invited to officiate at the 2024 Confederation of African Football High Schools Tournament in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The tournament attracted eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams from various Southern African schools competing for a place in the continental finals. Gumbo was handpicked by commissioners to officiate at the event.
Reflecting on the experience, Gumbo said she learned a lot about officiating during her visit to Walvis Bay.
She was also amazed by the diverse group of people she met, which she found both enlightening and inspiring.
Gumbo originally grew up in Bulawayo and began her football journey playing for local clubs like Streetset and Barrow Jets.
Gumbo said that growing up, she enjoyed watching matches officiated by women and that made her yearn to be involved in officiating.
“I used to enjoy games officiated by women and that inspired me,” she said.
Her passion for the game took a new turn when her brother encouraged her to pursue a refereeing course.
Her talent and diligence were evident early on as she excelled as a right link and right-back.
Her former coach at Street Set, Lee Mangena, affirmed that Gumbo was a hardworking and talented player, who joined Streetset in 2019 and quickly became a valuable winger and defender.
“She played well as a winger and defender after joining us in 2019 and was coming from Nkulumane High School and featured in more than 10 tournament finals and four seasons of league football. She then switched to Barrow Jets now Hope Academy in 2022,” said Mangena.
Gumbo’s journey highlights a vital message: “Refereeing is not just for men but girls can do it too. As long as you believe in yourself, you can achieve great things.”
Online Reporter