4 local refs assigned Chan match
Confederation of African Football (CAF) has tasked four Malawian referees to officiate the 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan) preliminary round match between Botswana and Seychelles.
They are Ishmael Chizinga who will be referee with Innocent Kaundula as the first assistant referee Edward Kambatuwa as second assistant referee while Alfred Chilinda and fourth official.
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According to a CAF notice, the match commissioner for this game to be played on April 21, will be Mozambican Acacio Victor Teixeira.
Chan is a continental tournament that involves national teams composed of players based in their respective countries.
Commenting on their assignment, Chilinda said it is a sign that CAF is appreciating their work.
“It’s a plus to us as Malawian referees. It means CAF is impressed with our work on the ground. That is why they are entrusting us with this duty,” he said.
Chilinda was hopeful that the Chan games will offer them a platform to be considered for higher level assignments.
“International matches expose us to the world, enrich our experience and provide a platform of demonstrating our capabilities. I believe such opportunities will make us get to the greatest heights such as officiating Africa Cup of Nations games,” he said.
On his part, Chizinga said the appointment shows that their performance in previous games was satisfactory.
“It is good for my career, you know it has taken a long time for CAF to assign Malawi male referees. This is a sign that our performance during previous CAF matches have been very good,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Referees Association of Malawi general secretary Chris Kalichero said the referees appointment is a morale booster to their career.
He further said the referees body wants its members to continue officiating international matches.
“We hold symposiums to update the referees on the rule changes. In addition to that, we also push them to enhance their fitness levels,” he said.
