Upcoming centre referee Hillary Siva has appealed to Kenyans to help him realise his officiating dream after obtaining his referee certificate. Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Vihiga-based youngster and Form Three student was part of the Kenyan young trio chosen to officiate at the the CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA Qualifiers in Rwanda, which concluded over the weekend.Siva was alongside fellow 16-year-old assistant referee Risper Sarai and 17-year-old Rachael Otieno.##NAJAVA_MECA_9944530##Before moving to Tanzania, the teenager had officiated his first high-profile matches in the country during pre-season friendlies.He was at the centre of action as Kakamega Homeboyz took on APS Bomet, Bungoma Superstars and AFC Leopards, where he got a chance to exchange a few words with Ingwe forward Tyson Otieno.In Rwanda, the young official was the centre referee in three matches, including the third-place playoff.Forgotten Harambee Stars striker leaves Swedish club after six appearances in five yearsHe oversaw the action between Tanzania and Sudan before officiating the third-place playoff between Tanzania and South Sudan.The young referee, who looks up to Peter Kamaku Waweru, disclosed in an interview with Mozzart Sport that the competition taught him about physical toughness, time management and concentration.“As a referee, you must be physically fit to be able to work properly. That is one of the things I have picked from the CECAFA games,” he told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936484##The 16-year-old added that time management was another important lesson from the regional competition.“I have also learnt that time is the best, and time management can really help you in this job. Like, if you use your time well, you are going to gain a lot,” he explained.The youngster took a major step in his refereeing journey this August after taking charge of the match between Kakamega Homeboyz and APS Bomet at Bukhungu Stadium.Pyramids coach singles out Gor Mahia duo for praise after CAF Champions League clashSiva, who is among Kenya's promising young referees, previously told Mozzart Sport in an interview that he looks up to top referees Anthony Taylor and Peter Kamaku Waweru.His journey into officiating began during the COVID-19 pandemic after he struggled to secure a starting berth at his local academy.Rather than walk away from football, Siva turned to refereeing and has steadily built his career.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936498##Luanda Villa chairman Moses Abwenje played a key role in his development, taking him to matches both home and away where he could watch NSL referees at work and learn the finer details of officiating.FKF Vihiga County also recognised his potential by awarding him a certificate in refereeing.However, Siva believes there is still much more to learn and says he wants to return to class to further his education in officiating.Harambee Stars hit by double injury blow ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiersNSL referee Andrew Opulu has also been instrumental in his development, helping him secure opportunities to officiate some high-profile matches.Despite his young age, Siva has already handled finals including the Anyole Super Cup, Imbuki finals and Kisumu Senator’s Cup final.Here in Kenya, he says he spoke to referee Andrew Juma and midfielder Tyson Otieno, who motivated him and asked him to maintain his focus.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936487##“Here in Kenya, most referees I interacted with are good and friendly. FIFA referee Andrew Juma also spoke to me and told me to stay focused.Tyson Otieno also spoke to me and was really impressed and wanted to know my journey of officiating, as he was surprised and happy with my handling of games. In the end, he told me to stay disciplined,” he explained.Gor Mahia wipe away CAF Champions League defeat to Egyptian giants with millions of shillingsWhile he is happy to slowly realise his dream, the youngster still asks Kenyans to support him as he looks to one day officiate on the biggest stage like Stephen Yiembe, who was an assistant referee in the UEFA Super Cup.“I am happy to be here finally. I am yet to be where I want, but I just request Kenyans to support me. I want to be like Yiembe who went to officiate at the UEFA Super Cup.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9944531##Furthermore, he is appealing for opportunities to officiate in league matches where possible since he has a certificate and does not want his dream to end with the CECAFA Qualifiers.“I don't want CECAFA to be my end, no. I want to go through and through to the top. I also request that I should get a league to show my skills. I have no league at all, but I have a certificate,” he concluded.