Zimbabwean referees continue to raise the nation’s profile on the global football stage, with a series of prestigious appointments to upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWC) 2026 qualifiers. The developments mark a significant moment for the country, demonstrating both the calibre of its officials and the confidence that international football bodies continue to place in Zimbabwean refereeing.
On 13 October 2025, a full Zimbabwean team will officiate the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Equatorial Guinea and Liberia at Estadio de Malabo. The match will be handled by referee Brighton Chimene, who will be assisted by Luckson Mhara and Tafadzwa Nkala, with Lawrence Zimondi appointed as the Fourth Official. Having an entire team drawn from one nation at such a level is a milestone for Zimbabwe and reflects the depth of talent within the country’s officiating ranks.
On 24 October 2025, Zimbabwe will again be represented at the highest level when referee assessor Sabelo Maphosa-Sibindi takes charge of assessing match officials in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Cape Verde and Mali in Cidade da Praia. His appointment is an endorsement of Zimbabwe’s growing technical expertise in refereeing, showing trust in local capacity to uphold FIFA’s global standards.
On the same day, Zimbabwe’s female referees will also be in the spotlight. Chipo Mayimbo Mercy has been appointed to officiate the AWC 2026 qualifier between Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire at Stade Lat Dior, Senegal. Her assignment highlights the strides Zimbabwean women referees are making at the continental level and the recognition of their professionalism.
Later in the month, on 28 October 2025, two more Zimbabwean women officials will take charge of another AWC qualifier when Nigeria face Benin. Claris Sekai Simango has been appointed as Assistant Referee 1, while Grace Gimo will serve as Fourth Official. These appointments further confirm Zimbabwe’s growing influence in the women’s game and the confidence of CAF in the country’s officials.
These achievements are not merely individual milestones but a collective success for the nation. They reflect years of commitment to developing refereeing standards, investment in training, and the resilience of Zimbabwean officials who have continued to perform despite challenges. The appointments demonstrate that Zimbabwe is producing referees capable of competing with the best in Africa and beyond, and that the country’s contribution to world football extends beyond the playing field.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has welcomed the appointments, describing them as a source of national pride and a clear indication that local referees are being recognized for their competence and professionalism. The association further noted that such recognition will inspire younger referees to aim higher and strengthen Zimbabwe’s presence in international football structures.
As the nation looks ahead to these fixtures, the message is clear: Zimbabwe’s referees are flying the flag high, serving as ambassadors of integrity, fairness, and excellence on the global stage. Their success belongs not only to them but to the entire country, as it signals a future where Zimbabwe continues to be trusted with greater responsibility in world football.
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