REFEREEING: Meet Mark Sonko-Uganda’s first referee to officiate at the CHAN Finals
He is shy when engaged in a conversation. He is always committed to perform duties assigned to him to the best of his ability. The driving force behind his love towards refereeing is attributed to his late father Mark Kagwa who was a National center referee in Mpigi in the 80s. Sonko was Uganda’s sole assistant referee at the just concluded Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in South Africa. To put the record straight, he remains the only Ugandan to ever officiate at the CHAN finals. Even with his tight schedules where he juggles between being a businessman and referee, Sonko still spared some time to talk to www.fufa.co.ug about his journey in refereeing.
Who is Mark Sonko?
I’m a humble and confident man who always wants to stick my hands on things that I do to get the best results. I was born 35 years ago and used to play football but an injury to one of my legs kept me away from actively play the sport on the pitch. I attended my education at Kanyike Primary School, Mpigi district, St Balikudembe Senior Secondary School, Mitala Maria and Kamengo Vocational Institute. I’m also a businessman and referee.
Take us through your journey as a referee and now assistant referee
I fell in love with refereeing the moment I gave up playing football because of an injury I suffered on my leg. I loved football a lot and I never wanted to keep away from the sport. My next choice was to take up refereeing at an amateur level in matches at schools and around the village. But most importantly my father was also a referee so he encouraged whenever he used to see acting as referee.
How was your experience when you handled the first game as a referee?
It was fun for me when I officiated as a center referee in a village match but when I enrolled for a referees’ course, I noticed a big difference. I handled my first official match in Ugandan football in Kampala regional league (former Zone 9 league) between UTODA Wankulukuku and Kansanga Half London at Muteesa II stadium. I became FUFA referee in 1998 but I later decided to become an assistant referee various tests I got the FIFA badge as assistant referee in 2010.
How did you receive the news of being selected to officiate at the CHAN Finals in South Africa?
I was so happy because I was going to represent my country at CHAN. I knew I was going to write a new chapter in Ugandan refereeing history. I’m the only Ugandan referee to officiate at this tournament. For me that was showing that we have good referees in the country.
Were you shocked by the selection of your name to go to South Africa and officiate at CHAN finals?
The continent has so many good assistant referees. But I have always said to my-self that total commitment and hard work leads to greater heights. There are courses me and other referees attended (Elite B courses) after the Africa Youth U-17 Championship in Morocco which improved our performances. I think the games that I have handled in various Africa soccer championship qualifiers have also helped me to improve.
What lessons did you learn from the CHAN finals?
I have gained a lot of experience and confidence. From the time when I handled my first international game between Burundi’s Ludic Academy and Wari Wolves (Nigeria) I have noticed a big difference and for me it has been a learning lesson. My first local league game I was a center referee and it was a game between KCC FC and Masindi Town Council. But I later changed and concentrated on being assistant referee. In my various travels to officiate games, I have attended experience, met all CAF referees I was just hearing and reading about and I have learnt a lot while handling games.
Did you get any form of support from Ugandans while going for the CHAN finals?
I need to thank the federation that gave me all the support that I needed as a referee. Their words of support and encouragement gave me the confidence as I headed to South Africa. They also created a conducive environment for me that put me in the right frame of mind. Former and active FIFA referees like Muhmed Segonga, Ali Tomusange, Charles Masembe, Dennis Batte, Brian Nsubuga and Diana Mukasa also gave me tips. They told me to be confident, stick to the laws of the game, follow what is being taught to me during the tournament and also cope with the environment.
What kind of support do you get from FUFA in your refereeing career?
The federation has helped every referee. In the courses they organize, there are those that are based on developmental areas which are sanctioned by FIFA. The FUFA and FIFA instructors have also helped us lot. Haruna Kebba has also been at the forefront of helping referees in Uganda. Even FUFA has been able to create a good environment for us to do our tests locally and those from FIFA at the right time.
Did you share you experience from CHAN with the Ugandan referees?
I shared the knowledge, new changes-especially the offside rule, ways of improving modern refereeing and training.
Have you encountered any problems in your career so far?
Yes. But the main barrier is language. I have had to handle games where French is the only language being spoken by players yet you would want to communicate to them well. But I have found a solution to that. I have enrolled for French lessons and I’m determined to take up other lessons in Arab too.
What are your targets?
I would like to get to the highest levels of refereeing in my career. God has blessed all my work so far. I will not relax until I achieve my targets.
Who is your role model?
Mr. Ali Tomusange, the former FIFA assistant referee who officiated at the 20202 FIFA world cup in South Korea and Japan. I have learnt a lot from him. He is always giving me audience whenever I approach him.
How do you asses yourself after handling a game?
I always create time and asses myself but it hurts a lot when you realize that you were not at your best during a game. But I always look to the future to improve in the net game.
What has been your secret to this success?
I still want to be successful at the highest levels. I’m 35 years now. But discipline is mandatory for any referee who wants to succeed. My family has also been supportive. Refereeing involves a lot of traveling.
How do you handle the fans that verbally attack referees while handling matches?
They are part of the game. In our courses we are taught to handle such situations and never lose control of the game. Actually, the best solution is to ignore their insults and pretend as if you are deaf.
How do you maintain standards at the highest levels of refereeing?
Modern refereeing is very demanding. We do monthly tests from CAF and FIFA. Soon we shall have online tests. We always have four recognized fitness tests in a country annually but you also have to undergo more fitness tests for each tournament when assigned to handle matches. Hard training is paramount. I put in a lot during my training- the minimum days for my training-four days a week. There is no way you can officiate a match when you are not fit.
What is the toughest game you ever handled?
It was a super league game between Boroboro and Simba in Lira. Fans kept protesting every goal scored. It needed the intervention of security on the pitch to calm the tempers.
What is the toughest ground on which you have officiated a game?
There are two stadiums-in Lira and Ssaza grounds but I have no problem handling games from these venues if assigned.
Finally, any words to the local football fraternity?
Refereeing has a bright future in Uganda. Hard work pays.
Photo: FIFA assistant referee Mark Sonko
