Two Malawi refs selected for women’s Afcon

Two Malawian officials—referee Grace Mwafulirwa and assistant referee Bernadettar Kwimbira—have been selected to officiate at the 2012 CAF Women African Championship finals.

The finals take place in Equatorial Guinea from October 28 to November 11 2012. This is the first time Malawi has sent two referees to the finals since the competition started in 1991.

For Kwimbira, she is making a back to back appearance having also officiated at the 2010 edition in South Africa.

She emulates retired Moffat Champiti, who became the first referee to officiate at two consecutive Afcon finals, 2010 and 2012.

“It is an honour for us to get such recognition and we will work hard to impress so that we open opportunities for our friends,” said Kwimbira.

According to Football Association of Malawi chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda, Kwmbira and Mwafulirwa will undergo a physical test on October 26, before being allowed to officiate the matches.

“The development just shows that we are making progress in women referees and we hope this will also translate to the women’s game on the ground,” said Nyirenda.

The championship will be contested by eight teams which are in two groups.

Group A has Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Senegal and Congo DR whereas Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Ethiopia are in Group B.