Sara Gamal setting the pace for female referees in Africa

 DAKAR (Senegal) - Egypt's Sara Gamal is now getting accustomed to setting new records in African basketball.

After becoming the first African female referee to officiate at a 3x3 basketball game at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics last summer, she's witnessed another breakthrough, becoming the first female official in Africa to take charge of a FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers game.

The 33-year old was part of the trio that handle the Cameroon vs Tunisia game as well as Rwanda's clash against Tunisia in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers.

“My main message is that if you have a goal and you work hard for it, you can reach it. Young girls have to trust themselves”-

 "I want to thank FIBA for giving me this opportunity, it's an honour for me and I feel very happy to have these games," Gamal told FIBA.basketball in an exclusive interview.

"It's wonderful starting this new step, not just for myself but for all the female referees to have good opportunities to take charge of men's games."

Sara Gamal in action during the 2021 FIBA U18 African Championship

"I see this as a challenge to continue working hard to remain at the top level where FIBA expect us to be.

"I go to the court knowing that I have to work well and give a good image of female referees."

A civil engineering graduate, Gamal's love for the sport was triggered from a very tender age.

"I started officiating in the Egyptian National League when I was 15 years old and I had a very long time to learn the game as well as improve on my knowledge of the sport," she said.

"When I turned 25, I went for the license for international referees. I did several courses then got my license."

Sara Gamal is seen talking to Tunisia head coach Dirk Bauermann

But having played as a point guard for Egyptian side Smouha for five years, Gamal found herself getting attached to the game. It's a sport she had been practicing since she was five and moving to shatter the ceiling was an ambition she embraced.

"As a referee, I've learned from a lot of people. I always try to pick one or two lessons from all the older referees and I just try to get better at what I do."

Despite having taken charge of games at two Women's AfroBaskets in 2017 and 2021 as well as the FIBA Youth World Cup in Belarus, Gamal is passionate about being flawless in her on-court performances.

"After every game, I go back and watch the entire game. I try to look at every action, to see the calls I should have made, to understand if I missed out on anything because it is a constant process. Every day you have to continue learning to be at the best level."

Sara Gamal says it, officiating at major tournaments has gone beyond just being about her, it's now about the hundreds and perhaps thousands of young girls who can aspire to excel at such top level.

"My main message is that if you have a goal and you work hard for it, you can reach it. Young girls have to trust themselves and serve properly. If you stay focused and work hard, these opportunities will come."

But Gamal's rise to officiating at the flagship tournaments has been a tale of sacrifices and optimism.

"It's not always easy. I've had to juggle this and my family life. I try to spend a lot of time with my family but they know how important these tournaments are for me."

Gamal credits her mother as one of her inspirations.

"She's always supported me. When I started my refereeing career she was there to motivate me, help me and just carry me forward. I'm very happy that she's been there all through for me."

 But beyond her mother, the Egyptian official has an entire community rooting for her. A native of the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, each of her participation in major competitions is greeted with lots of excitement in the city home to basketball giants Al-Ittihad club.

"These people they've been with me from the very start," Gamal says laughing before adding "Every time I come to a major competition, there's a celebration in Alexandria because the people, they love and support me."

"Whenever I come back to the city, they're always very happy, receiving me very well. It's so amazing when I see this because I also represent them. I have learned a lot from them and I'm glad I'm able to make them proud."

"Even beyond Alexandria, I have a lot of people supporting me. Some people call me or write to me after games to appreciate me but also give me advice, not only from within Africa but beyond."

Botswana's Dorothy Okatch in action during the inaugural Basketball Africa League in Kigali, Rwanda

Gamal also believes the International Basketball Federation courtesy of its policies is spurring more female referees and she thinks the future will only get brighter.

"FIBA is always supporting us, giving us good opportunities in big competitions and this gives us an avenue to continue growing as well as progressing."

There wouldn't be much respite for Sara Gamal. After setting the pace in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers she's hoping to continue blazing the trail at the second edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) where she'll take charge of games with her main priority being that of continuing to inspire aspiring female referees in Africa and beyond.

FIBA