Malawi’s football officiation has suffered a setback after several elite referees, including Fifa-listed officials failed mandatory fitness tests and face a suspension from handling matches.
The officials failed the tests on Monday at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
Among those who failed are Fifa international referees Godfrey Nkhakananga and Mayamiko Kanjere as well as elite officials Mwayi Msungama, Alfred Chilinda, Grace Mtambo, Mercy Mziya and Michael Mwambyale.
Fifa assistant referees Evance Msonda, Happiness Mbandambanda, Richard Shumba and Clemence Kanduku also failed to attain the required standards.
Nkhakananga and Kanjere are among Malawi’s four male centre referees on Fifa’s 2026 international list while Kanduku is also a Fifa-listed assistant referee and has been on the international list since 2012.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) referees manager Duncan Lengani confirmed the development in an interview.
But he said the referees’ failure will not affect officiation of local matches.
“It will not affect as we have many referees on elite list of about 135.
“So we have many staff capable of these games at hand,” he said.
However, Lengani said the failure will have an impact on international assignments.
“Our worry is on international games because these referees will miss the international showcase which puts the country at disadvantage,” he said.
The development comes at a time when Malawi has been increasingly relying on the same officials for high-profile domestic and international assignments.
Nkhakananga refereed the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier between Somalia and Algeria in October 2025
He also took charge of the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Central African Republic and Mali in Casablanca alongside Kanduku.
Kanjere has likewise established himself among the country’s leading officials.
He refereed the 2026 Castel Challenge Cup final between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Goshen City Dedza Dynamos in February.
He also handles high-profile domestic assignments, including the Mighty Wanderers-FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Blantyre derby in May.
Football analyst Twaha Chimuka said the development highlights the growing lack of fitness among top match officials.
He said: “Apart from knowledge of the Laws of the Game and experience, physical fitness is also significant.
“The immediate challenge will be ensuring that the absence of the failed officials does not compromise the quality or availability of refereeing personnel as the FDH Bank Premiership and other elite competitions continue.”
The development comes as Mighty Wanderers and Ekhaya FC are expected to clash in Airtel Top 8 final later this month and some of the referees that have failed fitness test were expected to officiate.
