Rise of Hassan Wiish Yaborow, International Centre Referee From Somalia
By Karim Abdul
August 29, 2016: Somalia is basking in the glory of an incredible Interstate Tourney, Wiish Yaborow is embarking on what would turn out to be his moment of recognition from the top man in the land. President Sheikh Hassan across at Villa Somalia is set to award his efforts which have put Somalia in the world map as a sports destination.
Yaborow is yet another exciting prospect honed and developed within Somalia ranks. The man himself is buzzing with excitement as he watches on from the stands as his referees who he has mentored take charge.
Now, as we sit chatting at Banaadir Stadium about the games, he says he can still remember everything about the experience, and recalls with delight the day he made his first assignment, in 2010 when he took part in Regional games held in Garowe Puntland.
Hassan Wiish Yaborow is not your average referee. The man from Somalia is his country’s finest middle man. Fluent in three languages, he is keen to pass the button to the many upcoming referees from Somalia and the region.
It is his International skills, however, that is of most interest and a sense of pride to Somalia. Wiish honed his skills in Denmark his second home after Somalia. Home away from home where he grew up. It is here in Denmark back in 2004 where he took charge of his first match in the 3rd Division. Mention the word referee to any sports person in Somalia and you are likely to get words like. Wiish is the man who has brought international recognition to Somalia. Indeed Wiish is a FIFA International referee since 2011.
The Centre man, who when he takes the whistle to adjudicate a match many view him as neutral official. We all know how fans can be biased especially when their team loses a match. However, Wiish is highly respected in the game of football perhaps one among many reasons why a lot of weight is put on his shoulders. He has been appointed to oversee a couple of high profile matches across the continent.
Wiish is fluent in English, Danish and Somalia languages; he wears many hats, thinks deeply about the game and is an intelligent individual off the pitch as well as on it. He has been entrusted to head many positions outside the field of play. In 2014 he was elected Chairman of sports management in Banaadir region in Somalia.
During his tenure he over saw the first Districts Tournament after the Tourney had collapsed three years earlier. Seventeen Districts came together to compete two disciplines, football and athletics. Tournament which is seen as a launch pad for many young players now playing in the Somalia Premier League.
In the same year he was elected Zone 5 President of Somalia Olympic committee.
In 2015 under Wiish leadership the second expanded tournament was held which included basketball for ladies and men, football and athletics.
PRESIDENT AWARD
Indeed his contribution to sports has not gone unnoticed in 2016 he was awarded by President Hassan Sheikh for his contribution in sports development in the past five years 2010 to 2016.
Many Young Referees in Somalia see Wiish as their Idol. During a recently concluded FIFA referee clinic held in Mogadishu the Instructors and indeed the referees participating were full of praise for him. Somalia has about 59 referees, about nine of them are classified as international because they ref FIFA and CAF matches. Three infield referees and six linesmen.
Aiming high is always what Wiish has strived for. And while determination, talent and hard work are key, the family man cites enjoyment as a vital part of the attitude needed to succeed at his career.
“For me, coming up through the course, the referee training the main thing was to always make sure I enjoyed myself whenever I went out onto the pitch and classroom” he says. “Every game I officiate, every training session I’m involved in and even every moment around the training ground, you just have to enjoy it. It’s important to just enjoy every minute of it.”
IN HIS FATHERS FOOTSTEPS
Brought up in the most sports obsessed of families – his late father Yaborow became International Basketball referee in 1976, after refereeing the game since 1966. In 1982 Yaborow became the Secretary General of Somali Basketball Federation. Between 1990 and 2009 he served as the President of Basketball Federation doubling as Vice President of Somali Olympic committee
Sadly his Father, Yaborow passed on in a terror attack in 2012 at the National Theatre alongside Somali Football Federation President, Said Mahmoud Nur. May their souls Rest in Peace