Breaking barriers with words: The woman behind TotalEnergies CHAN 2024’s multilingual bridge
In the bustling Mandela National Stadium media centre — where the air hums with the chatter of journalists and the rhythmic clicks of camera shutters — there is one volunteer whose presence carries a quiet but unmistakable impact.
She is more than a name on a badge or a helping hand behind the scenes. She is a bridge across languages, cultures, and continents.
Her name is Shifa Ismail, a 28-year-old Ugandan whose life story is as layered as the tongues she speaks — Arabic, Kiswahili, English, Luganda, and Nubi.
For the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, she’s not just facilitating communication; she’s embodying the very spirit of “Pamoja” — togetherness.
From Arua to the World: A Cultural Mosaic
Shifa’s roots stretch across Uganda’s cultural map.
“I am a Muslim Lugbara from Arua Terego District in Uganda. My father, may he rest in peace, was from Arua, in the West Nile, and my mother is from Bombo, known as the land of the Nubians. I was born and raised in Kampala, and I am the third of four children,” she says.
Her upbringing was a fusion of traditions and languages. On her mother’s side, Nubi and Kiswahili were spoken daily, and her grandfather’s love for BBC Swahili left a lasting impression.
The home she grew up in was a live classroom for her future career in multilingual communication.
Education Interrupted, Learning Continued
Shifa’s academic path was cut short after senior six.
“I failed to continue after high school because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to university. We lost my father during that time, and I only made it to advanced level on a bursary because I was both a netballer and a footballer.”
Yet her education didn’t end in a classroom. Life became her teacher. She worked in Saudi Arabia and the UAE as a domestic worker, tutor, and interpreter in human resources companies.
These experiences deepened her language skills and sharpened her ability to adapt to different cultures and environments.
Sports as a Lifelong Companion
Her journey in sports began long before TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.
“I started playing netball and football in primary school and also with my uncles and nephews, who were — and still are — sportspeople. In high school, I pushed harder because I felt sports people were special, like another family.”
Today, she channels that passion into her roles as chairperson of the Uganda Premier League Fans Meetup, a member of the African Women in Sports Initiative, and a volunteer with Soltilo Bright Stars, where she connects coaches and young refugees.
An Unexpected Path to CHAN 2024
Her arrival at CHAN was not part of a grand plan. A single social media post led her to join a group of 40 volunteers managing logistics and communications at the tournament.
For her, the experience has been transformative.
“CHAN has been one of the best experiences. I don’t regret volunteering because it has improved my communication skills, expanded my network, and, in sha Allah, may bring better opportunities.”
Challenges That Shape Resilience
Being a woman in sports in Uganda comes with its share of obstacles.
“I face challenges in financial sustainability to pursue my education, low salaries — even when doing the same work as men — stigma, and sexual harassment from those who underestimate women’s abilities.”
Still, her vision for the future is clear: return to school, earn a doctorate in sports, and become one of Africa’s leading sports administrators.
“I want to prove that women can be leaders in sports and create opportunities for others who, like me, had doors closed to them.”
A Message for the Next Generation
Amid the noise of vuvuzelas and the urgency of match days, Shifa carries a calm determination. She speaks directly to the young girls watching from the stands and beyond.
“Don’t give up. Keep loving the sport you do — there’s space for everyone. Stay strong no matter the hardships you face. When women thrive, communities thrive.”
Her story is still being written. While she continues to excel as a volunteer, the chapter on her formal education remains open — waiting for the right opportunity to turn the page.
Perhaps in the same spirit of “Pamoja,” a supporter or organisation will see in her not just a skilled volunteer but a worthy investment in Africa’s sporting future.