Kwimbira selected for Afcon officiating panel
Malawi’s top-notch Fifa women’s assistant referee Bernadettar Kwimbira-Mzika has been selected to officiate at Ghana 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals scheduled for November 17 to December 1.
A letter from Confederation of African Football (CAF) addressed to Football Association of Malawi (FAM), states that Kwimbira-Mzika should arrive in Ghana on November 12 for refresher courses.
“We have the pleasure to invite your [assistant] referee to the Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2018 to be held in Ghana from November 17 to December 1,” states the letter in part.
The letter adds: “We would like to remind that the referees will undergo physical, theoretical and technical tests during the course. In case the referee fails to pass the fitness test, all related costs to her trip will be borne by [her] association and the referee will be sent back home.”
Algeria, Mali, Ghana and Cameroon are in Group A while, Zambia, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria are in Group B of the tournament.
FAM referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga said the selection of the former athlete was good for Malawi.
“She has been a role model for Malawian referees. This is pleasant news for Malawi as she will raise the Malawian flag high at the continental competition,” he said.
He added: “We want our referees to make special inroads in both regional and continental tournaments.”
This is the fifth consecutive time for the former athlete to be appointed to officiate at Afcon finals after South Africa 2010, Equatorial Guinea 2012, Namibia 2014 and Cameroon 2016.
She also officiated at 2015 Canada Women’s World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil and is shortlisted for France 2019 World Cup.
