Rooney Agwata is 12 but he already believes that he can make a good soccer official.
The Standard Six pupil at Gesiaga Primary School in Nyamira County is already the talk of the village and beyond.
He was named after international footballer Wayne Rooney and perhaps this has influenced the trajectory his hobby is taking him.
Recently, this writer covered a match between Ibucha FC and Bosiango FC at Sironga playgrounds.
Noticeable there was Rooney (pictured above), who officiated as one of the linesmen.
Despite his tender age, Rooney has a keen eye for the job and a swift leg to run and lift the piece of cloth in hand when the ball goes over the lines around the edge of the field.
“Away from the players, I think that linesmen and the main referee do a great job. They ensure discipline and make the game beautiful,” the boy said.
Rooney showed interest of officiating any time he played with his peers.
“My father also loves soccer and he is the one who encouraged me,” he said.
Rooney was among several others who attended a training organized by the Federation of Kenya (FKF) in Nyamira in December last year but he was not examined due to his age.
“I attended the training but I was told that I was too young to be examined,” he said.
Soccer officials must be aged 18 and above according to FKF.
Stephen Ondieki who was the referee of the day said the boy has huge potential that should be tapped.
“We occasionally allow him to officiate so that he does not lose interest in what he loves. I believe he will be a wonderful soccer official when he comes of age,” said Ondieki.
