• By Michael Uugwanga 

Trefina Shivolo, is trailblazing the boxing circles a one of the few female boxing referees and judges in the country, in a male-dominated sport.  She first started as a judge at the tender age of 16, before graduating as a referee in 2017.
During her time as a referee, she won numerous accolades and is currently a certified referee, which means that she eligible to officiate professional fights.

In 2017, she was awarded with the best referee and judge at the 2017 National Boxing Championship, in 2022, become a certified national referee and judge and in 2024 she alleviated to a certified international referee and judge.  She became the Namibia’s first boxing referee to be certified with a ‘1-Star’ by the International Boxing Association.

Her achievements include being awarded the national certificate at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Referee and Judge in 2022 and a certificate at the Mandela African Boxing Cup, 2024. 

The same year, Shivolo was the only Namibian Boxing referee to officiate at the African Elite Men and Women Boxing Championship.

“My first judging job started when I was hand-picked in a crowd by one man called Cheetah Shimwafeni.  He quickly showed me how it is done and with my passion in boxing I was on it. Out of all the boxing events I attended as a fan, I did not come across a female boxing referee. 

This one was one of my biggest motivating factors to become a referee,” Shivolo said. “Amateur boxing has played a significant role in my personal and academic lifes, providing me with valuable skills such as discipline, quick decision-making and a deep understanding of the sport. I do not have any plans to join professional boxing,” he added. 

The 26-year-old is an economics and entrepreneurship grade 11 and AS level. With the country hosting the AUSC Region Five next month, Shivolo will also be part of the games but as an assistant referee and a judge’s coordinator.

“Being involved in the boxing community allowed me to meet a variety of people, including athletes, trainers and other officials from all over Africa, leading to new friendships and professional opportunities. Understanding and enforcing the strict rules of boxing helped me to foster an appreciation for discipline and a structured approach to challenges in other areas of life.”

She grew up admiring some local boxers, notably Julius Blue machine Indongo and Jeremiah Low-key Nakathila and many others.
“As a referee, neutrality is key, however I have favourite boxers, such as Julius Indongo and Jeremia Nakathila. Both have been great mentors and I am inspired by their resilience and ability to always take on challenges. 

I also hold a Certificate in Anti-Doping (International Testing Agency) and a Diploma in Sports Management (ISDE Law Business School, Madrid, Spain).