By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has congratulated six Zimbabwean match officials appointed by FIFA to officiate in the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
The appointments, announced by ZIFA on Friday, highlight the growing involvement of Zimbabwean female match officials in international football and provide an opportunity for them to represent the country at continental level.
Grace Gimo will referee the second-round, first-leg encounter between Benin and Mali on October 8 at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
She will be assisted by fellow Zimbabwean Dominica Melusi, who has been appointed Assistant Referee 1.
Another Zimbabwean referee, Thanks Nyahyuve, has been appointed to officiate in the second-round, second-leg match between Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso on October 13 at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Nyahyuve will be supported by fellow Zimbabweans Claris Sekai Nyatanga, who will serve as Assistant Referee 1; Progress Chatsamwa, appointed Assistant Referee 2; and Mercy Chipo Mayimbo, who will be the Fourth Official.
The appointments give Zimbabwe a strong presence among the officials selected for the Olympic qualifying fixtures while providing valuable international exposure for the country’s female refereeing fraternity.
ZIFA said the appointments reflected the confidence placed in Zimbabwean match officials and represented a proud moment for the country’s refereeing community.
The association added that the appointments should inspire aspiring female officials across Zimbabwe to pursue careers in refereeing.
The African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic women’s football tournament feature national teams competing for places at the Games, making the assignments an important milestone in the officials’ international careers.
ZIFA wished all six officials success as they prepare to represent Zimbabwe on the continental stage.
The appointments further highlight the opportunities available to Zimbabwean match officials as the country seeks greater representation in international football competitions.
