Conrad Mandela, a dedicated umpire, shares insights into his journey in the world of hockey officiating.
Conrad’s passion for hockey began in high school at Government African School Kakamega, where he actively participated in the sport. His initial exposure to hockey was during his primary school days, practicing with Eregi TTC students under the guidance of Coach Mr. John Gitau.
Throughout his career, Conrad has represented various clubs such as Western Jaguars, Daystar University Falcons, and Nairobi Simba before returning to his roots at Western Jaguars.
His umpiring venture started informally, umpiring during trainings and friendlies in F3 at Government African School Kakamega. With encouragement from his coach, Malungu, and fellow umpires like Kervin Namale, Conrad delved deeper into umpiring, officiating TTC regional games and KETISSO and KETISA matches.
Motivated by the exemplary skills of umpires like Kervin Namale, Conrad aspired to make a positive impact on the sport and bring about change within the hockey community.
Conrad’s umpiring journey has been a mix of highs and lows, with each match presenting a learning opportunity. His proudest moment was officiating his first high-stakes match, where both teams commended the umpiring team for a job well done.
However, there have been challenges, such as issuing red cards and facing verbal abuse from players and spectators. Despite the tough moments, Conrad remains resilient, driven by his love for the game and the desire to uphold its standards.
Looking ahead, Conrad hopes to achieve more milestones as an umpire and elevate his officiating career to greater heights. To aspiring judges and umpires, he advises embracing the challenges and striving to elevate the sport while acknowledging that the journey is not without its obstacles.
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