SUVA, FIJI – For many students, University life is a careful balancing act. For the Fiji National University’s Bachelor of Science in Agriculture second-year student, Muizz Mujib Buksh, that balance extends far beyond lecture halls and laboratories into the fast-paced world of futsal officiating.
At just 21, Buksh has mastered the art of managing two demanding commitments—his academic journey at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) and his passion as an Oceania Football Cooperation (OFC) level referee. Buksh admits that juggling his dual roles is not always easy. However, he approaches both with a level of professionalism that keeps him grounded and focused. It’s all about a strict schedule. I treat my studies like a job and my refereeing like a professional commitment. I even use digital tools and custom logic to stay organised and ensure neither side of my life suffers,” Buksh revealed. Time, he says, is his greatest challenge—especially during peak academic and sporting periods. The biggest challenge is time—especially during exam weeks or major tournaments. I manage it through ‘discipline over motivation.’ If I’m traveling for a match, I bring my lecture notes with me. It’s about making the most of the gaps in my day.Yet, it is precisely this demanding lifestyle that has shaped Buksh into a more focused and determined individual. Refereeing has not only strengthened his character but also sharpened critical life skills.
Decisiveness, conflict resolution, and leadership. In futsal, you have to make a call in a fraction of a second and stand by it. That confidence carries over into every other part of my life, he explained. Refereeing has made me a much more disciplined student. The ‘no-excuses’ mindset on the court translates to hitting deadlines and staying focused during long lab sessions. It’s taught me the value of preparation. His love for futsal has been a constant driving force, inspiring him to remain actively involved in the sport beyond just playing. I’ve always loved the fast-paced nature of futsal. Transitioning from the sidelines to officiating felt like a natural way to give back to the sport while staying right in the middle of the action. I wanted to challenge myself at the highest possible level. Becoming an OFC referee represents a standard of excellence and a chance to represent Fiji on a regional stage, ensuring the integrity of the game we love.
Beyond the court, Buksh’s academic journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Hailing from Vunimoli in Labasa, his passion for agriculture stems from a strong connection to his community and a desire to contribute meaningfully to Fiji’s development. Growing up in an environment where agriculture is the backbone of our economy, I felt a calling to understand the science behind what sustains us, leading me to enroll in the Bachelor of Science programme, he shared. Seeing the potential to transform traditional farming into high-tech, sustainable systems—especially for the next generation of Fijian farmers—is what really drives my studies. His academic interests lie in agronomy and soil science, where he is particularly fascinated by the mechanics of crop production and the role of technology in modern agriculture.
Understanding the mechanics of crop production—specifically things like rice and maize cultivation—is fascinating to me. I’m also interested in agricultural mechanisation, finding ways to use technology to make organic farming more efficient and profitable. Buksh describes his time at University as a transformative period that has broadened his perspective on agriculture. It has taught me that agriculture isn’t just about being in the field; it’s about precision, data, and persistence. Practical work, like soil sampling at the CAFF Crop Farm, has really grounded my theoretical knowledge, he said. Looking ahead, he is determined to make a tangible impact in the sector by bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical farming.
I want to bridge the gap between technical agronomy and practical farming in Fiji. My goal is to work on projects that integrate smart technology into local farming practices to increase yields and sustainability. Buksh’s message is simple yet powerful: “Don’t feel like you have to choose one over the other. Sports keep your mind sharp and your body healthy, which actually helps your studies. If you can manage your time, being a student-official makes you a much more well-rounded person.”
Muizz Mujib Buksh is a second year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at the Fiji National University and is an OFC level futsal referee. (Photo supplied)
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