Kanduku to officiate at U-20 Afcon finals

Malawi Fifa assistant referee Clemence Kanduku is among 35 referees selected to officiate at the 2021 Under-20 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in Mauritania from February 14 to March 6.

Kanduku and the other  referees are expected to attend a three-day refresher course from February 10-13 where they will undergo physical, theoretical and technical tests, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

The association’s referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga said he was delighted with the news, adding that the experience that Malawian referees get at such international tournaments helps in improving their performance in local competitions.

“This is very encouraging because it shows the confidence that CAF has for Malawian referees because of their performance.

“The exposure and experience that he is going to get there will be shared among fellow referees back home, thereby improving our game.”

Reacting to the development, Kanduku said he is delighted and ready for the challenge.

“This is a big milestone in my career as a referee. I am delighted and  ready for the challenge and I know it’s another mountain to climb. It’s a once in life time opportunity, but God will make the way for me,” he said.

Kanduku’s appointment comes at the time female assistant referee Bernadetta Kwimbira-Nzika is breaking records at the on-going African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament in Cameroon.

Kwimbira-Nzika last week became the first Malawian female referee to officiate at a Confederation of African Football (CAF) senior national teams tournament.