CAF acknowledges Kwimbira’s feat
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hailed Malawian referee Bernadettar Kwimbira for being among three African referees who handled the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics women final between hosts China and Venezuela on Tuesday.
CAF said Zambian Gladys Lengwe, 35, was the main referee at the Wutaishan Stadium, Nanjing assisted by Emmanuella Aglago of Angola and Kwimbira. The match’s fourth official was Christina Unkel from the United States.
It was the first time an African, let alone a Malawian, officiated at the Under-15 final. The result of the final could not be immediately established.
“The appointment is the latest in the soaring achievement of African match officials this year. On the other hand, 35-year old Aglago has previously officiated at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, 2012 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan and the 2012 African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea, while Kwimbira, 32, is among CAF Elite A officials,” www.cafonline.com wrote.
Bester Kalombo remains the only Malawian to have officiated on the big football stage at the Summer Olympic Games (for seniors) and the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Other Malawians such as Moffat Champiti have graced the Afcon finals as an assistant referee.
