Malawi female ref breaks new ground

Bernadetter Kwimbira has once again pushed the frontiers, becoming the first Malawian female referee to be selected for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Elite ‘A’ Referees course in Egypt next month.

Kwimbira, the Fifa international assistant referee, is now among only three women in southern Africa and 20 in Africa belonging to the exclusive band of the ‘A’ club of women referees bound for the course from December 2 2013 in Cairo, according to retired CAF refereeing manager Bester Kalombo.

“Her performance on tests in physical and theory is well above average. It has to do with her academic level. It means she is now becoming more advanced,” Kalombo on Wednesday praised the advanced secretarial and administration diploma holder and degree student.

FAM refereeing development officer Maxwell Mtonga confirmed on Tuesday that Kwimbira received the CAF invitation, sent through Anthony Rafael on his return from Egypt for a CAF Elite ‘B’ Referees’ course.

“It means Malawian referees are being recognised. It is significant as she will now be recognised for international competitions such as the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Mtonga.

Retired referee Moffat Champiti was the last Malawian male referee to participate in a similar course a few years ago. This edition of the ‘A’ course now combines both males and females, Kwimbira said on Tuesday.

“It is all about performance. They scrutinise the matches you handle. I must have handled five matches on the international stage, including when I went to South Africa. This means that I will be up for consideration for Fifa World Cup finals, among others,” she said.

The mother of two, received the good news on Monday upon returning home from South Africa where she was the only Malawian female referee in the officiating personnel for the women Under-20 Fifa Africa World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Botswana at the weekend.