Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ireen Resa Khaloba, also known as Mwalimu or Mama Yao, who has had an impressive journey in the field of hockey. Ireen joined Cardinal Otunga Girls High School in Bungoma on a games day, which happened to be her first day at the school.
She then went on to play hockey for Kenyatta University from 2012 to 2015, even serving as the team captain during her time there. In 2018, she joined Vikings Hockey Club, where she continues to play and also holds the position of captain.
Ireen’s umpiring journey began in 2017 when she volunteered to umpire high school games during county matches. Due to a shortage of umpires, she jokingly offered to help by saying, “Mnipee whistle naweza wasaidia” (Give me a whistle, I can help). Eventually, in 2023, she officially joined the Kenya Hockey Umpires Association.
Her motivation to become an umpire stemmed from her desire to be a resource person in her school and county. Additionally, being far away from Nairobi, where she could access hockey grounds easily, she decided to assist a neighboring school that had a hockey team but lacked a teacher for coaching and umpiring. It was during this time that she sought out Titus Ngolia, who introduced her to the world of umpiring.
Ireen emphasizes that the umpiring journey is not for the faint-hearted. It requires studying the rule book, watching matches, coordinating with other umpires, blowing the whistle frequently, making mistakes, and learning from them. Her aim as an umpire is to maintain the standards of the game and ensure that everyone enjoys the match.
One of the challenges Ireen faces is the expectation of being a perfect umpire, making all the correct calls. However, she finds fulfillment and rejuvenation in her role, as it keeps her physically fit and enables her to handle various situations with a clear mind.
Through umpiring, Ireen has come to understand the importance of her role in a match, how to coordinate with her colleagues, and how to have confidence in her abilities.
To other women interested in umpiring, Ireen extends a warm welcome and encourages them to join the field. She emphasizes the presence of mentors in Kenya who are ready to support and guide them. Age should not be a deterrent; instead, women should embrace the opportunity and pursue their passion for umpiring.
Ireen Resa Khaloba, or Mwalimu as she is fondly known, serves as an inspiration to women in hockey, demonstrating that they can excel as players and make significant contributions to the sport in other roles, such as umpiring.
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