Elevating Media Operations: Raymond Kayungirizi’s CHAN Volunteering Experience.

My Journey As A CHAN Media volunteer insights for NEC FC CAF Confederations Cup Campaign .

As NEC FC’s Communications Officer, I recently had the previlage of volunteering in the Media and communications department for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Local Organizing Community (LOC) .

Raymond Kayungirizi at the Media center during CHAN 2024

This marked my first official volunteering role in a major tournament , though my journey football, from Catda FC to launching matchdayticketing.com at Leero Sports and now three years at NEC FC has always involved giving back to the game we love .

This experience offered Invaluable lessons for enhancing Media operations in the Startimes Uganda Premier league and our upcoming CAF Confederations Cup on September 20th 2025 at Hamz stadium Nakivubo.

Raymond Kayungirizi during UPL Match

The Interview Press .

The journey began with an email from the Local Organizing Community (LOC) Volunteer’s Workforce inviting me for an interview. The dress code was clear a white or grey top with a with a dark blue of black trouser.

At the interviewI met a soft spoken moderator who made a process feel like a recap of my career.

From my early days at CATDA FC to developing ticketing solutions and managing NEC FC’s Communications, the discussion was seamless. Walking out with a smile, I felt confident in securing the role.

Raymond Kayungirizi at Nelson Mandela National Stadium with media center in his background

Subsequent briefings and training though some could have some could have been online to save resources, we’re engaging, fostering camaraderie among volunteers.

Media Operations a five station Breakdown.

A media and communication volunteer

1- media center: The hub of journalists, local and International offering welcoming desk for matchday check ins , a working area for writing and editing and cafeteria for meals , volunteers like ensured that journalists had access to charging stations and equipment storage, creating a productive environment, media accreditation cards were required for entry.

Kayungirizi Raymond Heads of Communications at NEC FC

2- Media Tribune: Located above the dress rooms on the Eastern side of the stadium, directly behind the East Gate, the media Tribune was accessible with a special Designated Area (SUPPLEMENT ACCESS DEVICE (SAD) pass.

The area was reserved for writers covering the action live and broadcasters such as official Commentator, were camera were allowed to record the on pitch proceedings. I occasionally assisted by providing water or umbrella during matches.

Just inside the Tribune entrance the ionic voice of Jermaine Egesa the official English language Commentator, brought games to life an honor to witness up close .

Kayungirizi Raymond celebrating after his side NEC FC secured a victory in the UPL against Kitara FC in Hoima

3- Field of Play: A coveted station of Volunteers , the field of play involved supporting photographers at all four corners of the pitch.

Press Conference Room: This hosted pre and post match press conferences . Volunteer ensured clean seating and facilitated Q& A session by passing microphones .

Pre match pressers featured both teams , coaches and players while post match included the TotalEnergies player of the match and both coaches win or loss.

5- Mixed Zone: My primary station: The mixed zone, located between between the team bus drop off point and dressing room was where rights holders and CAF accredited journalists with a mixed zone SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESS DEVICE (SAD) pass conducted flash interviews .

Raymond Kayungirizi posing in the Photo above during the CHAN tournament

On arrival coaches answered one to those questions before delivering final instructions in the dressing rooms. After matches , coaches especially those from winning teams provided detailed responses, while players particularly on Victoria days, enjoyed slightly longer interviews.

Under the guidance of FUFA’s communications Director and CAF Media Officer Ahmed Hussein and another CAF Media officer Tanou Diallo .

I learned about the previlages of the rights holders who had exclusive interview spaces and coordinated access to players throughout the CAF Media Officer’s instructions to me and my colleagues deployed here were clear , no selfies or occupying the right holders space unless authorized.

Though I was in close proximity to international players , I couldn’t shake hands or take selfies with them , individuals I may never meet again. Nevertheless the unforgettable experience is one I will always cherish.

On Your left Kyazze Clive and on your right Moses Magero Mwanje Both we MC at the LFA Awards

This note also allowed me to assist at other stations before matches enriching my overall experience.

Reflection and Impact.

Volunteering at CHAN was informative experience, providing a blueprint for elevating media Operations at NEC FC and across the Startimes Uganda Premier league.

As we prepare for our CAF Confederations Cup on September 20th 2025 at Hamz stadium Nakivubo and throughout our Campaign in the FUFA Super 8 , The Stanbic Uganda Cup and the League adopting applicable practices such as streamlined media Tribune, efficient press conferences and structured mixed zones, well enhance our matchday coverage and global visibility.

These lessons will ensure a professional experience for journalists and fans , showcasing NEC FC on the continental stage and strengthening our league.

To administrators let’s implement this locally, to aspiring volunteers seize such opportunities, join us at NEC FC attend our matches and help build a vibrant football culture.

Raymond Kayungirizi posing with his young brother

NEC FC’s Communications Officer, is a passionate marketing and communication practicing enthusiast adding value to Ugandan football. Formerly at Jiranhood partners , he founded matchday ticketing.com at Leero Sports and served as a volunteering media manager at CATDA FC.

His CHAN 2024 media volunteering role provided insights for Enhancing NEC FC’s media Operations, especially for the CAF Confederation Cup debut on September 20th 2025 and onwards. Raymond’s strengthens the Startimes Uganda Premier league’s visibility.