Image: Elize Mwandu umpiring a TPIL Lawyers QAFL Seniors match in 2025
Elize Mwandu’s journey into AFL umpiring didn’t begin with a lifelong love of the game, it started with curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to try something new.
Mwandu came to Australia in 2018, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I speak five languages, which allows me to connect and communicate with people from many East African communities,” Mwandu said.
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.
“When 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,” Mwandu said.
Fast forward to 2026, and Mwandu has reached one of the sport’s biggest stages, named as a VFL and AFLW goal umpire.
Image: Mwandu at the 2025 Queensland Umpires Association Dinner Dance
The journey starting to umpire Australian rules football for Mwandu was not like most.
“To be honest, my initial motivation was simply to earn some money. I wasn’t particularly interested in the game itself,” Mwandu said.
“However, everything changed the first time I umpired a school match for children aged 5–10. From that moment, I fell in love with the game.”
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.
“Learning AFL and being part of the umpiring community has given me a strong sense of belonging, personal growth, and confidence,” said Mwandu.
"It has allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and feel truly included within the Australian community."
Image: Elize Mwandu in action, umpiring a TPIL Lawyers QAFL Colts match
Since those early days, Mwandu’s rise through the umpiring ranks has been remarkable.
He officiated the QAFL Colts Grand Finals in 2021 and 2022, before advancing to the QAFL Reserves Grand Finals in 2023 and 2024.
In 2025, he reached the TPIL Lawyers QAFL Senior Grand Final which was a milestone that placed him among the competition’s most trusted officials.
Image: Elize Mwandu (third from the right) alongside all umpires officiating the 2025 TPIL Lawyers QAFL Senior match on Grand Final Day
That same year brought further recognition. Mwandu was selected to officiate the state game between Tasmania and Queensland in Tasmania.
Image: Elize Mwandu (far right) with State Game umpires before the Senior Men’s match between Queensland and Tasmania at Latrobe Oval, Tasmania
Mwandu was also awarded the 2025 Goal Umpire of the Year, a reflection of his consistency, accuracy, and composure under pressure.
Image: Elize Mwandu at the 2025 Grogan and Zielke Awards night with 2025 Goal Umpire of the Year award
A moment in particular that stands out in Mwandu’s career was during the 2024 QAFL Reserves Grand Final, with just three minutes remaining, a crucial score was in question.
“The ball made slight contact with the goal umpire’s flag, something only I was in a position to see,” Mwandu explains.
“While players began celebrating what they thought was a goal, I confidently signalled a behind.”
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.
He also serves as a pastor at ECPC (Pentecostal Church), balancing professional ambition with community and religious leadership.
Images: Life outside of Umpiring (image provided by Mwandu)
Mwandu’s journey carries a powerful message, particularly for those who feel like they’ve missed their chance.
“My aspiration is to become an elite umpire and to inspire others who may feel it is ‘too late’ to start,” he says.
“Many people believe that if they didn’t play the game or learn the rules at a young age, they cannot succeed.
“With dedication and support, progress is always possible.”
For Mwandu, umpiring has delivered far more than he ever expected.
“It 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,” he said.
He encourages anyone who is considering umpiring to give it a try.
“Give it a go. In a few years, you may look back and be grateful you started."
Explore how you can get involved in umpiring programs near you today. Head to play.afl/become-umpire to learn more.