Cool Under Fire: When the going gets tough, you can depend on Jimmy Masina, one of the hottest referees in South Africa
by Charles Nyambe
If you think watching a game where one point can make the difference between your team winning or losing is a nail biter, just imagine officiating at such a game! It’s a real test of raw nerve, poise and knowledge of the game. And if that’s not enough stress, add to that mix screaming fans, zealous players and high stakes and, well, you’d better be exceptionally good at what you do.
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William Jimmy Masina (left) and coach Bongi Nkosi of Special Olympics South Africa. [Photo courtesy Special Olympics South Africa] |
Special Olympics South Africa athlete William Jimmy Masina not only refereed at such a game, but showed so much composure, he even managed to occasionally smile during the heat of competition. He was having fun!
During the floor hockey gold-medal-deciding game at the Special Olympics South Africa National Games, Masina’s colleagues, senior floor hockey officials, consulted one another, planning to assist Masina in case the game became too intense for him to handle — all eyes were on this game which would determine which team would proceed to the random selection for the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Masina was squarely in the hot seat. Masina surprised the officials by displaying composure and consistency in handling this exciting game. And what a long game! The teams were so evenly matched, the competition extended into overtime, when the only goal of the game was scored.
Born on 11 April 1981 in Tsakane, in Gauteng Province, South Africa, Masina is one of eight children. He lives with his adoring grandmother, Maggie Mkhwebane.
A student at Matshediso Special School, where he is in the senior phase of his education, Masina also competes in floor hockey, athletics (shot put), aquatics and football. Masina found an additional calling in 2000, when he was invited to a two-day Special Olympics South Africa officiating workshop in floor hockey. It was a perfect way to extend his love of the sport to another dimension of it. Masina encourages other athletes to explore their talents not just in playing but in coaching and officiating. And after officiating one of the hottest games of the year, Masina’s peers have proof that you can dream big.
Charles Nyambe is the Regional Sports Manager, Special Olympics Africa. This profile originally appeared in Spirit magazine
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