Image: Elize Mwandu umpiring a TPIL Lawyers QAFL Seniors match in 2025<\/p>\n
Elize Mwandu\u2019s journey into AFL umpiring didn\u2019t begin with a lifelong love of the game, it started with curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to try something new.<\/p>\n
Mwandu came to Australia in 2018, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI speak five languages, which allows me to connect and communicate with people from many East African communities,\u201d Mwandu said.<\/p>\n
Looking for ways to connect and explore the multicultural opportunities Australia had to offer, he came across a previously run diversity umpiring program with AFL Queensland in 2019 which began his journey in umpiring. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first joined the AFL, I had zero understanding of the game and I did not speak much English. This made my journey challenging, but also incredibly meaningful,\u201d Mwandu said.<\/p>\n
Fast forward to 2026, and Mwandu has reached one of the sport\u2019s biggest stages, named as a VFL and AFLW goal umpire.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image: Mwandu at the 2025 Queensland Umpires Association Dinner Dance<\/p>\n
The journey starting to umpire Australian rules football for Mwandu was not like most. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest, my initial motivation was simply to earn some money. I wasn\u2019t particularly interested in the game itself,\u201d Mwandu said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, everything changed the first time I umpired a school match for children aged 5\u201310. From that moment, I fell in love with the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
What began as a job became a passion, one that would drive him through the challenges of learning a new sport, a new language and a new environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cLearning AFL and being part of the umpiring community has given me a strong sense of belonging, personal growth, and confidence,\u201d said Mwandu.<\/p>\n
“It has allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and feel truly included within the Australian community.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image: Elize Mwandu in action, umpiring a TPIL Lawyers QAFL Colts match<\/p>\n
Since those early days, Mwandu\u2019s rise through the umpiring ranks has been remarkable.<\/p>\n
He officiated the QAFL Colts Grand Finals in 2021 and 2022, before advancing to the QAFL Reserves Grand Finals in 2023 and 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2025, he reached the TPIL Lawyers QAFL Senior Grand Final which was a milestone that placed him among the competition\u2019s most trusted officials.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Highflyerimages-1851.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image: Elize Mwandu (third from the right) alongside all umpires officiating the 2025 TPIL Lawyers QAFL Senior match on Grand Final Day<\/p>\n
That same year brought further recognition. Mwandu was selected to officiate the state game between Tasmania and Queensland in Tasmania. \u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image: Elize Mwandu (far right) with State Game umpires before the Senior Men\u2019s match between Queensland and Tasmania at Latrobe Oval, Tasmania<\/p>\n
Mwandu was also awarded the 2025 Goal Umpire of the Year, a reflection of his consistency, accuracy, and composure under pressure.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/188A0103.JPG\")
<\/p>\n
Image: Elize Mwandu at the 2025 Grogan and Zielke Awards night with 2025 Goal Umpire of the Year award<\/p>\n
A moment in particular that stands out in Mwandu\u2019s career was during the 2024 QAFL Reserves Grand Final, with just three minutes remaining, a crucial score was in question.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ball made slight contact with the goal umpire\u2019s flag, something only I was in a position to see,\u201d Mwandu explains. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile players began celebrating what they thought was a goal, I confidently signalled a behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Away from the field, Mwandu has recently completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering and is exploring opportunities in both industry and academia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He also serves as a pastor at ECPC (Pentecostal Church), balancing professional ambition with community and religious leadership.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Images: Life outside of Umpiring (image provided by Mwandu)<\/p>\n
Mwandu\u2019s journey carries a powerful message, particularly for those who feel like they\u2019ve missed their chance.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy aspiration is to become an elite umpire and to inspire others who may feel it is \u2018too late\u2019 to start,\u201d he says. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people believe that if they didn\u2019t play the game or learn the rules at a young age, they cannot succeed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith dedication and support, progress is always possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Mwandu, umpiring has delivered far more than he ever expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has helped me grow physically, personally, and socially. I have built lasting friendships, maintained my fitness, developed confidence, and contributed to fair and competitive matches,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He encourages anyone who is considering umpiring to give it a try. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGive it a go. In a few years, you may look back and be grateful you started.”<\/p>\n