Penina Katuke recently made history by officiating her first Premier Men’s match during Round 9 of the 2024 Rarotonga Competition, as well as the final game for the senior women’s team in the 2024 Cook Islands Games, where they competed for the gold medal.
This significant milestone marks an important achievement in her refereeing career. Reflecting on the experience, Penina shared that she felt a mix of excitement and nerves before stepping onto the field. “It was a big moment for me, something I had been working toward for a long time. After the match, I felt proud and confident, knowing I had given my best,” she said.
This achievement was the result of extensive preparation. Penina credits much of her success to the support of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), her FIFA instructor, and Referees Director Rakesh Varman. “The preparation was intense but crucial,” she explained. “I received excellent guidance that helped me control the key aspects of the game. Their belief in my abilities boosted my confidence.”
Her performance garnered high praise, with the referee director noting that she managed the game at the expected level, clearly demonstrating her readiness for more challenging assignments. According to the Referees Director, Penina has shown consistent growth, especially in U18 men’s and senior matches since 2023, culminating in her promotion to officiate higher-stakes games. “I’m honored by this recognition,” Penina said. “It’s something I’ve been preparing for, and I’m eager to face new challenges. I see this as an opportunity for further growth.”
Penina’s dedication to refereeing goes beyond match days. She is tirelessly working toward her ultimate goal: becoming an OFC and FIFA Women’s Referee for the Cook Islands. “I’ve been training rigorously,” she stated, emphasizing that her preparation includes not only physical training but also studying the game, analyzing decisions, and maintaining mental sharpness. “Every day, I work on improving my decision-making and fitness to meet FIFA’s high standards.”
Inspired by Tupou Brogan, the Cook Islands’ first women FIFA referee, Penina is on the right track. With guidance from her instructor, she is steadily progressing toward her goal. “I’m disciplined in following the pathway laid out for me. I seek feedback from my mentors, and continually push myself to improve,” she explained. “It’s all about setting small goals that lead to the bigger dream.”
In addition to her local training, Penina’s participation in the OFC Academy since 2023 has been instrumental in her development. She has attended the OFC Elite Women’s Referees Course and participated in OFC tournaments, experiences that have significantly boosted her confidence and skill set. “Being part of these programs has been invaluable. They’ve exposed me to high-level matches and allowed me to learn from some of the best referees in the region,” she noted.
As she continues to advance her career, Penina remains grateful for the opportunities and support she has received. “I want to thank CIFA, OFC, my instructors, my Referees Director, and of course, my parents. “My parents have been my biggest supporters—they’ve always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue this pathway. My instructors and friends have also provided strength, offering advice and cheering me on every step of the way. Their support and belief in me have driven me to push my boundaries and strive for more. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.
With determination, hard work, and a clear path ahead, Penina is poised to continue her rise in the world of refereeing, with her sights firmly set on representing the Cook Islands at the FIFA level.
CIFA Media
