By David Isabirye

Copyright kawowo

As NEC Football Club’s communications officer, Raymond Kayungirizi recently had the privilege of volunteering in the media and communications department for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

This was his first official volunteering role in a major tournament.

Though, his journey in Ugandan football commenced from CATDA Football Club to launching matchdayticketing.com at Leero Sports and now three years at NEC Football Club, he has always involved giving back to the beautiful game.

This experience offered invaluable lessons for enhancing media operations in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and as well for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup appearance on September 20, 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

Long trek:

From the Interview process after receiving an email from the LOC Volunteers’ Workforce, the rest is now a rich history tale.

The dress code was clear: a white or grey top with dark blue or black trousers.

At the interview, he met a soft-spoken coordinator who made the process feel like a recap of his entire career.

From the early days at CATDA FC; developing ticketing solutions and managing NEC FC’s communications, the discussion was seamless.

Walking out with a smile, he felt confident in securing the role.

Subsequent briefings and trainings though some could have been online to save resources, were engaging, fostering camaraderie among volunteers.

Media Operations:

A five-station breakdown as a media and communications volunteer, Kayungirizi gained a front-row seat to how major tournaments manage media operations, offering insights applicable to NEC FC and the now reformed league.

The department was divided into five key stations;

1. Media Center:

The hub for all journalists, local and international, offering a welcoming desk for matchday check-ins, a working area for writing and editing, and a cafeteria for meals.

Volunteers ensured journalists had access to charging stations and equipment storage, creating a productive environment. Media accreditation tags were required for entry.

2. Media Tribune:

Located just above the dressing rooms on the eastern side of the stadium, directly behind the Eastern Gate, the media tribune was accessible with a Special Designated Area SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESS DEVICE (SAD) pass.

This area was reserved for writers covering the action live and accredited broadcasters, such as the official commentator, where no cameras were allowed to record the on-pitch proceedings.

Kayungirizi occasionally assisted by providing water or umbrellas during matches.

Just inside the tribune entrance, the iconic voice of Jamaime Egesa, the official English language commentator, brought games to life; an honor to witness up close.

3. Field of Play:

A coveted station for volunteers, the field of play involved supporting photographers at all four corners of the pitch.

After the initial setup, where photographers captured teams exiting the dressing rooms, lining up for anthems, taking official match day photos, and choosing sides during the coin toss (known as the “rope moments”), volunteers positioned themselves behind the photographers to assist with equipment or logistics, all while immersing themselves in the match atmosphere.

4. Press Conference Room:

This hosted pre- and post-match press conferences. Volunteers ensured clean seating and facilitated Q&A sessions by passing microphones. Pre-match pressers featured both teams’ coaches and players, while post-match included the Total Energies Player of the Match and both coaches, win or lose.

5. Mixed Zone:

This was Kayungirizi’s primary station, the mixed zone, located between the team bus drop-off point and the dressing rooms, was where rights holders and CAF-accredited journalists with a Mixed Zone SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESS DEVICE(SAD) pass conducted flash interviews.

On arrival, coaches answered one to three questions before delivering final instructions in the dressing rooms to the players.

After matches, coaches, especially those from winning teams, provided detailed responses, while players, particularly on victorious days, enjoyed slightly longer interviews.

Under the guidance of FUFA’s Communications Director and CAF Media Officer, Ahmed Hussein, and another CAF Media Officer, Tanou Diallo, Kayungiriz learnt about the privileges of rights holders, who had exclusive interview spaces and coordinated access to players through the CAF Media Officers.

Instructions to him and his other colleague deployed here were clear: no selfies or occupying the rights holders’ space unless authorized.

Though he was in close proximity to international players, he couldn’t shake hands or take selfies with them, individuals he believes that he may never meet again.

Nevertheless, this unforgettable experience is one he will always cherish to the brim.

This role also allowed him to assist at other stations before matches, enriching the overall experience.

Reflections and intense impact:

According to Kayungirizi, volunteering at CHAN 2024 was a transformative experience, providing a blueprint for elevating media operations at NEC Football Club and across the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

As NEC Football Club prepares for CAF Confederation Cup debut on September 20, 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, and throughout the other campaigns as The Stanbic Uganda Cup, and the League, adopting applicable practices such as a streamlined media tribune, efficient press conferences, and structured mixed zones, will enhance the club’s match-day coverage and global visibility.

These lessons will ensure a professional experience for journalists and fans, showcasing NEC Football Club on the continental stage and strengthening the league.

To the administrators, he has the bold message to implement locally; to aspiring volunteers, seize such opportunities.

He calls upon the football family to embrace NEC Football Club and provide a rallying voice.

“Join us at NEC Football Club; attend our matches and help build a vibrant football culture” Kayungiri signs out.

Narration by Kayungirizi Raymond, NEC Football Club’s Communications Officer. He is a passionate marketing and communication practicing enthusiast adding value to Ugandan football. He has formerly worked at Jiranihood partners. He founded matchdayticketing.com at Leero Sports and served as a volunteering media manager at CATDA Football Club.