By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus- Joel Chote Munyendoh, a sports administrator at KIU Main Campus, is among the 24 referees in Eleven-a-side football, Futsal, and Beach Soccer who have been awarded FIFA badges for the 2024 calendar year.

The FIFA badge authorises one to officiate anywhere in the world with consultation and approval of the domestic football governing body like FUFA for Uganda.

In the function held at FUFA Complex on January, Tuesday 30th 2024, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim handed over the badges to the referees among whom was another KIU staff, Mashood Ssali who officiates football.

Munyendoh who has officiated beach soccer games across Africa is looking to take his trade to a global stage after an extraordinary performance in the last two years.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity to serve the beautiful game again and I want to thank my bosses at FUFA for always trusting me," Munyendoh said after receiving his tools for the New Year.

"I intend to do my best this year, make Beach soccer shine and also take my officiation to another level," he added.

Despite being soft spoken, Munyendoh is known for being highly professional, committed and passionate about Beach soccer as well as other sporting disciplines.

He first received the FIFA Badge in February 2022 before officiating his first continental game, the first leg between Malawi and Tanzania in Lilongwe, in July of the same year.

He has since travelled to several countries in Africa to officiate beach soccer games. Now that he has received approval for the 2024 calendar, Munyendoh will have a chance to get within reach of his lifelong dream of getting to a global stage.

Picture Credit: Federation of Uganda Football Association