Malawi ref Kwimbira to officiate at Fifa World Cup in Canada

Lady luck continues to smile on Malawian referee Bernadetter Kwimbira as she has been selected to officiate at a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 this June in Canada, North America.

FIFA has selected Kwimbira to be part of the tournament’s officiating team because of personality and quality in terms of football understanding by being able to read the game and the team’s tactical approaches towards each match.

She will be the first Malawian to officiate FIFA World Cup tournament.

Last year, Kwimbira also became the first Malawian to officiate at the African Women’s championship held in Namibia, Youth Olympics in China and CAF Elite A course in Egypt.

Moffat Champiti was the last Malawian assistant referee who participated in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

“It feels good to be part of high profile tournament,” said Kwimbira.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Development Officer Maxwell Mtonga observed that Kwimbira’s involvement in previous high profile tournaments has put Malawi on the map.

“Her education has contributed a lot. She underwent a computer analysis of match situations at CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt and emerged number one in her class,” said Mtonga.

Kwimbira, mother of two and an employee of the University of Malawi (Unima) in Zomba, is also pursuing a degree.

Other African referees heading to Canada are Gladys Lengwe from Zambia, Dambou from Raissa from Cameroun and Tafesse Ledya-Ethiopia.

While assistant referees picked from Africa are Dzodope Ayawa Mana from Togo, Rakotozafinoro Lidwine Peladie from Madagascar and Moroccan Oulhaj Souad.