Brian Lusaga, a Kisumu-based teacher, has achieved a milestone in his basketball career by becoming the first Kenyan male referee to earn a FIBA 3x3 Class C International Referee Licence. This accomplishment marks a significant step in his progression from grassroots and school competitions to the global stage. Lusaga's journey in basketball began as a team manager, administrator, referee, and trainer. His dedication and hard work have ultimately led to this prestigious qualification.
Lusaga's involvement in basketball started in 2017 when he managed Lakeside Basketball Team under Pacho 360. During this period, he gained valuable experience in team management and the organization of competitive basketball. His role later expanded to include 3x3 basketball, where he became the regional coordinator for BingwaFest 3x3. In this capacity, he helped organize competitions and promote the fast-growing format in the region. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in refereeing.
In addition to his work in basketball, Lusaga is a teacher at Ngere Boys Senior School in Kisumu County. His interest in athlete development has also extended into academic research. He has co-authored research on sports psychology and athlete development, including a 2023 publication on sports confidence among high school athletes. This unique blend of education and sports has given him a distinct perspective on developing both athletes and officials.
Lusaga's role in basketball has grown beyond officiating matches to helping develop and coordinate other officials. He currently serves as the Kenya Basketball Referees Association (KBRA) Nyanza Region Referee Coordinator and is a member of the KBRA Nominations Committee. He has officiated at the KSSSA and FEASSA Games and also works as a referee trainer for the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Sports Association. This experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his refereeing career.
The FIBA 3x3 Class C International Referee Licence is a significant achievement for Lusaga, as it opens the door to international 3x3 officiating. This qualification represents a major milestone in his career, culminating years of experience and hard work. For Lusaga, this achievement also brings his 3x3 journey full circle — from helping organize competitions to earning the credentials to officiate them at an international level.
Lusaga's story is one of gradual progression: from managing a basketball team in Kisumu to organizing competitions, officiating games, training referees, and now earning a place on the international refereeing pathway. His dedication and perseverance have ultimately led to this prestigious qualification. The whistle that started on local courts could now take Brian Lusaga far beyond Kisumu.
With this achievement, Lusaga is set to take his refereeing career to new heights. His qualification will enable him to officiate international 3x3 basketball competitions, marking a significant step in his journey. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration to aspiring referees and basketball enthusiasts in Kenya and beyond.
Key points
- Brian Lusaga is the first Kenyan male referee to earn a FIBA 3x3 Class C International Referee Licence.
- Lusaga's journey to the international stage began with his involvement in basketball as a team manager, administrator, referee, and trainer.
- The FIBA qualification opens the door to international 3x3 officiating and represents a major step in Lusaga's progression from grassroots and school competitions to the global stage.
