In the quiet corners of Kombani village, nestled in the heart of Kwale County, a young man named Hamisi Hindi found himself torn between the pages of his criminology textbooks and the call of the sports field. Born and raised with the typical fire of Generation Z, Hamisi, 24, embraced a passion that transcended boundaries—football. But while others dreamt of glory by scoring goals, Hamisi’s ambition took a different direction. His heart raced not to bury the ball in the net but to ensure the game was played with fairness, respect, and integrity.
Hamisi’s story is not just one of personal ambition, but a testament to the transformative power of sport and opportunity. Hamisi pursued a bachelor’s degree in Criminology at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, where he explored the complex dynamics of justice, order, and societal peace. But within the young scholar, another passion simmered just beneath the surface—a deep, abiding love for football, not as a player striving to score, but as an observer enthralled by the rules that shape the beautiful game.
“Football has always been a part of my life. But for me, it wasn’t just about kicking a ball; it was about understanding the discipline behind it,” Hamisi recalls. “I found myself more interested in how the game is controlled, how decisions are made in those critical moments. It was almost like solving a puzzle in real-time.”
After his graduation, Hamisi faced the typical uncertainties of a fresh graduate, compounded by the competitive job market in Kenya. With a degree in hand but limited opportunities in criminology, Hamisi could have easily succumbed to the pressure to seek any available job. However, his heart remained connected to his love for football—a love that would ultimately pave the way for his breakthrough.
It was during this time that SambaSports Youth Agenda, through their project Shift for Waa Sport, entered his life. The project, funded by Base Titanium, sought to empower youth through sports by offering training and development opportunities in various athletic and officiating roles. Hamisi saw his chance, and without hesitation, he dove headfirst into the opportunity, enrolling in classes to become a certified FKF match official.
“That program changed everything for me,” Hamisi shares with a deep sense of gratitude. “SambaSports not only sponsored my classes, but they also gave me the tools to transform my passion into a career. I never imagined that football, something I loved so much, would become the very thing that helped me support myself.”
Through the program, Hamisi completed rigorous training and was officially certified as an FKF Assistant Referee. In less than a year since his graduation from the program, he had already started officiating professional matches. His role as an assistant referee gave him a front-row seat to the action he so adored, but with a twist—he was now the one enforcing the rules, ensuring the integrity of the game.
As a referee, Hamisi found himself at the crossroads of responsibility and passion, where every decision made on the field could alter the course of a match. With every blow of his whistle, Hamisi affirmed his commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect for the sport he cherished.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something larger than myself. When I’m out there on the field, making calls, I know that I’m contributing to the game’s integrity. And that makes all the difference,” Hamisi explains. “It’s given me a sense of purpose I never imagined.”
But the story doesn’t end there. Beyond the joy of being part of Kenya’s football scene, Hamisi’s refereeing career has provided him with a newfound sense of independence. In a country where youth unemployment is a pressing issue, Hamisi’s work as a match official has enabled him to meet his basic needs, offering him economic freedom he hadn’t anticipated.
“I didn’t realize how much this profession could give me. I’ve been able to sustain myself, meet my needs, and plan for my future—all through refereeing,” he says with a smile. “It’s more than I ever thought possible.”
However, Hamisi’s ambition doesn’t stop at officiating local matches. His dream is to rise through the ranks, ultimately aiming to reach the highest level of match officiation. His inspiration comes from none other than Prof. Peter Waweru, a respected figure both on and off the pitch. Prof. Waweru, a lecturer of Pure Mathematics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), has balanced his academic career with his role as a FIFA-accredited referee, officiating at the highest levels of the sport, including international competitions.
“Prof. Waweru’s story really motivates me. He’s shown that you can pursue multiple passions and excel at both. He’s a lecturer and a top referee—why can’t I be the same?” Hamisi reflects. “I want to follow in his footsteps, to reach that same level and maybe even go beyond.”
While his ambitions on the field continue to grow, Hamisi has also set his sights on furthering his education. He plans to pursue postgraduate studies, blending his academic foundation in criminology with his love for football officiating, creating a future where both passions can thrive side by side.
Hamisi’s journey, from a small village in Kwale to the football fields where he now commands authority, is a powerful narrative of resilience, opportunity, and the belief that with passion and support, any dream is possible. His story illustrates the impact of programs like Shift for Waa Sport, which continue to create pathways for youth to build fulfilling careers, often in unexpected ways.
“This is just the beginning,” Hamisi concludes. “I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, but I know there’s still a long way to go. And I’m ready for it.”
Indeed, Hamisi Hindi’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but a symbol of what can be achieved when opportunity meets drive. His journey from criminology student to FKF Assistant Referee is a shining example of how the right support, combined with passion and determination, can unlock doors to unexpected successes—on the field and beyond.
A well written inspiring story, with perfect dictions from the queen’s language.