The Unyielding Journey Of Ssebyatika Badru: A 13-Year Odyssey To The FUFA National Badge.

The Unyielding Journey of Referee Ssebyatika Badru: A 13-Year Odyssey to the FUFA National Badge

In the world of football, becoming a referee is a challenging yet rewarding career path. For Ssebyatika Badru, the journey to earning his FUFA National badge was nothing short of remarkable, spanning an impressive 13 years. Badru’s story is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

Ssebyatika Badru in action Photo courtesy

Early Days and Inspiration

Badru’s football journey began as a player, where he showcased his talent in various under-age tournaments and school championships. However, it was his experiences as a player that ultimately led him to pursue a career in refereeing. “I was once a great player,” Badru recalls, “but I never had football agents to lift me high. So, I decided to join refereeing—a profession that would keep me in the football sport.”

Badru’s decision to become a referee was inspired by Musoke Peter and Nsubuga David ‘Maso,’ who are currently the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Nakawa Referees District Football Association. Locally, he looked up to Ssali Muhammad, a former national referee from Kawempe DFA, while internationally, he admired the skills of English Premier League referee Michael Oliver.

Warm Up session Photo courtesy.

The Path to Refereeing

In 2016, Badru enrolled in the refereeing course, where he was trained by instructors Ali Tomusange and Kimumwe Mansour. He was part of a talented group of referees, including Kimayo Stephen, Mugisha Ismail, Semakula John, and Kiggundu John, all of whom have since reached the national level.

Badru fondly remembers his first day in class: “I was happy to join a profession that was around football. The instructors were knowledgeable, and it was fun to understand the laws of the game. Knowledge always makes you love the sport more.”

On Your left Ssebyatika Badru, Referee Kimayo Stephen in the Middle and on Your Right Kiggundu John- Photo courtesy.

Challenges and Growth

Throughout his journey, Badru faced numerous challenges, including the ever-changing laws of the game. “Laws of the game need regular revising because they keep on changing,” he notes. Despite these obstacles, Badru persevered, driven by his passion for football and his determination to succeed.

Badru’s first appointment was in 2013 at Kansanga, where he officiated a match in the second division of the Makindye District Football Association. Although he didn’t know much about refereeing at the time, he saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. In 2021, he began officiating in the Masaza Cup, which taught him about making brave and strong decisions on the field.

Achieving the Dream

After 13 years of hard work and dedication, Badru finally achieved his dream of becoming a national referee. “It was my dream to at least become a national referee,” he says humbly. Badru has replaced Jjunju Bashir, whose name wasn’t approved, in one of Kampala’s 32 slots for national referees.

Advice and Reflections

When asked if he would advise others to join refereeing, Badru’s response was unequivocal: “Yes, refereeing teaches a lot of discipline and life-handling skills.” He believes that the challenges of refereeing are part of life, and the key to success is working with them to achieve one’s goals.

Personal Background

Badru’s parents, the late Kizza Sentongo Abdul and Natume Hanifah, were both sports enthusiasts. His father was a boxer, while his mother was a netballer. Badru attended Little Angels Nursery School, St. James Bbiina Primary School, Mackay Primary School, Entebbe Lake View Primary School, and later went on to attend several secondary schools, including Answar High School, Oxford Kawempe, Kibibi Parents, and Luzira SS.

Conclusion

Ssebyatika Badru’s journey to becoming a FUFA National referee is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for football. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring referees, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, one can achieve their dreams, no matter how long it takes. Badru’s achievement is a reflection of his commitment to the sport, and his contributions to Ugandan football are sure to be felt for years to come.

Ssebyatika Badru: A Multifaceted Football Personality

Ssebyatika Badru’s impressive credentials extend beyond his achievements as a FUFA National referee. He is also a CAF D certified coach, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the beautiful game. Badru has had the opportunity to share his expertise with young and aspiring footballers at prominent academies, including:

• Joe Kigozi Soccer Academy: A renowned institution that has produced talented players in Ugandan football.
• Luzira Soccer Academy: A platform that provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and pursue their passion for football.

As a coach, Badru brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having navigated the complexities of the game as a player and referee. His coaching philosophy is likely shaped by his understanding of the game, which he imparts to the next generation of footballers.

Badru’s commitment to Ugandan football is evident in his multifaceted contributions, and his work with these academies will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the sport in the country.

Ssebyatika Badru: A Man of Many Talents

Ssebyatika Badru’s impressive profile extends beyond his refereeing career. Not only is he a dedicated referee, but he’s also a:

• Futsal Referee: Showcasing his versatility in officiating different formats of the game.
• Musician: Highlighting his creative side and passion for music.

Family Ties to Ugandan Football

Badru’s family is deeply rooted in Ugandan football. He’s the brother of:

• Eddy Kapampa Ssebbicu: A former right-back for Maroons FC and Police FC.

Additionally, his elder brother is:

• Ssendagire Abbey: The head of security at Police FC and a key figure in the team’s operations. Abbey recently worked at the Chan tournament, further solidifying his involvement in Ugandan football

Abbey Ssendagire-Safety and Security officer during the CHAN Tournament.

The Badru family’s commitment to Ugandan football is evident, and Ssebyatika Badru’s achievements serve as an inspiration to many.