Chimene Earns Prestigious WAFCON VAR Appointment

Zimbabwean football has received another significant vote of confidence on the continental stage following the appointment of Brighton Chimene as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.The appointment sees Chimene join an elite panel of match officials entrusted with overseeing one of Africa’s premier football competitions and represents another milestone for Zimbabwean refereeing as local officials continue to earn recognition beyond the country’s borders.

As VAR, Chimene will play a pivotal role in supporting on-field referees through the review of key match incidents, contributing to the accuracy and integrity of officiating at the tournament.His selection is the culmination of years of dedication, consistent performance and adherence to the demanding standards required for international appointments. It also reflects the growing reputation of Zimbabwean match officials within CAF and the opportunities that continue to emerge through sustained investment in referee development.

ZIFA General Secretary Yvonne Manwa described the appointment as a proud moment for both the Association and the nation.”Brighton’s appointment is richly deserved and is a testament to his professionalism, commitment and pursuit of excellence. It is encouraging to see Zimbabwean officials continuing to earn the confidence of CAF to officiate at major continental competitions,” said Manwa.

“As an Association, we remain committed to creating an environment where our referees can develop, excel and compete at the highest level. We congratulate Brighton on this outstanding achievement and wish him every success as he represents Zimbabwe in Morocco.”

The appointment comes as ZIFA continues to strengthen the capacity of match officials through structured education programmes, regular technical workshops, fitness assessments and integrity initiatives aimed at raising refereeing standards across the country.For Zimbabwean football, Chimene’s selection is more than an individual accolade. It is further evidence that the country’s officials are increasingly making their mark on the continental stage, reinforcing confidence in the quality of Zimbabwe’s referee development pathway.

The Zimbabwe Football Association congratulates Brighton Chimene on this prestigious appointment and wishes him a successful tournament as he carries the nation’s flag with distinction at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.The appointment comes as ZIFA continues to strengthen the capacity of match officials through structured education programmes, regular technical workshops, fitness assessments and integrity initiatives aimed at raising refereeing standards across the country.

For Zimbabwean football, Chimene’s selection is more than an individual accolade. It is further evidence that the country’s officials are increasingly making their mark on the continental stage, reinforcing confidence in the quality of Zimbabwe’s referee development pathway.The Zimbabwe Football Association congratulates Brighton Chimene on this prestigious appointment and wishes him a successful tournament as he carries the nation’s flag with distinction at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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