Kenyan referee Mary Njoroge will officiate at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which is only two weeks away. The tournament will take place in New Zealand and Australia.
Njoroge became the first female assistant referee to officiate in the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
Njoroge’s love for football was inspired by her peers who played for Mathare Youth Sports Association.
” I never really loved football growing up. I was challenged by someone to take on a refereeing course. I felt that referees are biased and that’s why I took up the challenge.” Mary said in a recent interview.
On Tuesday, the 38-year-old was flagged off for the assignment by Linda Gallard (Australian Deputy High Commissioner) at Kenyatta University in Kiambu County.
”I am so excited for the assignment since it has been four years of intense preparation and I’m glad that the time has come. It was confirmed to me in November last year that I will officiate in the World Cup. I have never been to Australia and I am looking forward to the new experience,” said Njoroge.
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Gallard applauded Mary Njoroge for being in the top flight in a male-dominated field. ”What an ambassador she is for Kenya. She is an inspiration to young women and us,” said Gallard.
Njoroge was also an assistant referee to Salim Mukasanga from Rwanda in the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Edward Lumbugu who is Njoroge’s trainer alludes her success to her discipline and focus. ”We have worked together for eight years and this is her second World Cup, this is what success looks like.”
She is expected to leave the country on Friday after completing referees training in Arusha this week.
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