Kioko sets lofty targets after Victoria Cup debut

Kenyan referee Duncan ‘Duncoh’ Kioko is still enjoying the sweet smell of success after making his maiden international assignment on Saturday 28 October.

The youthful arbitrator officiated the Victoria Cup match between Uganda and Zambia that was played at the King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Uganda.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the audibly excited referee noted that officiating the match was a milestone in his rugby career.

Kioko hung his boots and picked up the whistle in 2015, a journey that has seen him defy the odds to his recent feat.

“I feel honored to be appointed referee for this prestigious tournament between these talented African nations. I'm excited for the challenge and will give my best effort to facilitate a fair contest,” offered Kioko

The youngster further pointed out that he adequately prepared as he expected a fast-paced tournament. True to his predictions, the game greatly tested his skills to end 30-8 in favor of Uganda Cranes.

“My preparation included reviewing past matches to understand each team's style of play and focusing on consistency in applying laws at breakdowns, scrums, and high tackles. I was also doing intense fitness work to be able to keep pace with this fast-paced tournament,” he averred.

For Duncan, officiating away from his home turf was a great test of his skills. He ignored the noisy Ugandan fan base, and withstood the heat, vowing to prioritize the well-being of players on the pitch as well as his own.

He will be the assistant referee in the remaining Victoria Cup matches.

“The Victoria Cup intensity tested my fitness and decision-making. With top athletes competing, I expected high-speed games and physicality which increases the risk of injuries. Player safety is paramount,” the renowned referee revealed.

The business finance professional from Machakos County played the game as a scrum at Kitondo Secondary School in Makueni and has gradually risen to the ranks.

He made his officiating debut in Kenya’s top-tier league in 2019, the same year that he officiated the second-tier KRU Championship final between Western Bulls and Kisumu in Kakamega.

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He has also preside over the Great Rift 10s cup final in 2019 and has been part of the officiating team at England’s Rosslyn Park HSBC National 7s as well as a leg of the Ugandan 7s circuit in recent years.

He was among the referees selected to cammand at the Rugby Africa Sevens pre-qualifiers in Mauritius in July this year.

Duncan was also on duty during the 2022/23 Kenya Cup finals played at the ASK Kakamega Showground on March 11.

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