While goals and results often dominate football headlines, Sunday's fixtures at the fifth edition of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament highlighted another equally important aspect of the beautiful game which is the quality of officiating.
Bilancy Michel, Akwe Solange and Jaidze Muminatu demonstrated that competence, confidence and integrity remain the hallmarks of quality officiating, expertly controlling two highly competitive fixtures without controversy or major incidents.
Their assured performances not only earned the admiration of players, coaches and spectators but also highlighted the growing contribution of women to football officiating in a profession that has traditionally been dominated by men.
The trio brought a wealth of experience to the fixtures of the day.
Former Elite Referee Bilancy Michel took charge of the opening match as referee before switching to first assistant referee for the second encounter. Akwe Solange, an Elite Referee, served as first assistant referee in the first fixture before assuming responsibility as referee in the second game. Completing the officiating team was Jaidze Muminatu, also an Elite Referee, who served as assistant referee in both matches with consistency and precision.
Their first assignment saw Young Classic JR of Nchang edge Sunday Sharp FC of Ntene Ntene 2-1 in an entertaining contest that demanded sound judgement, effective communication and firm game management. The officials maintained control throughout, allowing the game to flow while applying the Laws of the Game with consistency and fairness.
The second fixture between Mbefi FC and Tipper Park FC ended in a 1-1 draw, the first stalemate recorded after seven matches in this year's tournament. Once again, the officiating team handled the encounter with calm authority, ensuring that both sides competed in an atmosphere of fairness and mutual respect.
Across both matches, the three officials displayed the qualities expected of top-level referees. Their positioning enabled clear decision-making, their fitness allowed them to keep pace with play, and their communication with players helped defuse potentially contentious situations before they escalated. They demonstrated impartiality in every decision, applied the rules consistently and worked seamlessly as a team, earning the confidence of some spectaors on and around the pitch.
"The referees where good. It was just a bad for us" Lawrence, an fan of Sunday Sharp reacted
As more women continue to break barriers in football administration, coaching and officiating, the display by Bilancy Michel, Akwe Solange and Jaidze Muminatu on Sunday offered an example of the expertise and professionalism women bring to every level of the game.
Their contribution also complemented the spirit of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament, which is being staged under the theme "youth at the heart of inclusion and community development." By entrusting key fixtures to experienced female officials, the tournament continues to demonstrate that inclusion extends beyond the players on the pitch to everyone contributing to the success and integrity of the competition.
While the goals scored by Young Classic JR and the first draw of the tournament will feature prominently in the record books, Sunday's lasting impression may well be the exemplary performance of three women whose professionalism ensured that football remained the undisputed winner.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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