By Sheron Titanji (UB Journalism student on internship)
Isifu Wirfengla, former CBS Radio sportscaster in Buea, now serving as a journalist in the communication unit of the Ministry of Justice, has graduated as a Level 1 referee from the Mfoundi FECAFOOT training programme.
The Journalist cum referee graduated on Thursday, November 15, after undergoing a training programme that started on April 28, 2018 in Yaoundé.
Isifu was part of a group of at least 50 categorised trainees, who were strictly drilled on the FIFA Laws of the Game, and underwent the sportive course for physical fitness.
Responding to a question on why he decided to become a referee, Isifu Wirfengla told The Post: “My move was driven by my passion for the king sport. However, it all started in Buea, where I handled informal warm-up games and friendlies. When I arrived in Yaoundé in March, a friend told me about the Mfoundi Football League refereeing course. I gladly joined and today I’m proud to be a Referee. While growing up, I desired to either play or run commentaries on football. After doing radio sportscasting for four years, another dimension crept in, refereeing. I’m grateful to everyone who supported this dream, especially the Mfoundi Referees’ Commission headed by Joseph Foba. I promise I will make them proud.”
On his expectations and aspirations in his new venture, Isifu said: “At this level, I want to officiate plenty of games, gather experience, then work hard both theoretically and physically to reach Elite 1. I believe I can. Basically, I want to contribute my own quota to FECAFOOT, CAF & FIFA, as they strive to make the game beautiful as always. It may interest you to know that I handled two D4 games on the October 26, 2018, as linesman: AS LIFA 4-3 AS Oxygene and ASBO CAYSA 2-1 Anza FC.”
His passion for sports reporting has seen him create the famous volcaniksports blog, with a highly followed facebook page through which he feeds his sports-loving audience with news and updates on various sports issues.
In his life hustle, the renowned football reporter and commentator successfully taught language subjects as a part-time teacher in GHS Bekora Barombi for three years. He is also a journalist at the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Justice, Yaoundé.
Way back in his training as a journalist, Isifu was the best graduating student of his batch, 2012, of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Buea.
He bagged a First Class Degree, a record he holds till date. He headed the Sports Service of CBS Radio Buea from September 2015 to March 2018. Isifu’s new venture into refereeing is the latest in his ventures into the business of sports and entertainment.