Malawi’s top ref in World Cup panel: Berna Kwimbira-Mzika
Malawi’s top female assistant referee Bernadettar Kwimbira Mzika has been appointed in the preliminary list of officiating panel for France 2019 women’s football World Cup.
Kwimbira Mzika is among 48 officiating world elite and only 16 from the African continent to be considered for the the world football festival.
Local papers quoted Football Association of Malawi (FAM) referees development officer Maxwell Mtonga that after undergoing a rigorous assessment process the Malawian great will have to fight for seven places available for Africa.
Mtonga applauded Kwimbira Mzika saying she is a committed and serious referee.
“These are direct appointments from Fifa earmarked for world cup. Bernadettar (Kwimbira) is doing great and making Malawi proud,” Mtonga said.
“It shows that those who can work hard the sky is the limit.”
She is expected to leave for Germany for world referees cup to be held from June 17-18 as the assessment by the world football governing body starts.
The Referees development officer urged local referees to borrow a leaf from the remarkable feats that their compatriot has achieved in her career.
Former Caf director of referees Bestor Kalombo another former exceptional referee said she is one of the best in Africa.
“Bernadettar is highly qualified and I am not surprised that she has been shortlisted to be panel of referees for the 2019,” he said.
He said she does Malawi proud whenever such appointment s are made.
“I would like to Malawi to wish her all the best so that she makes the final list.”
Kwimbira who officiated at Canada 2015 for the first time said it was by the grace of God to be considered.
Last year she also officiated at Rio 2016 Olympic Games and four consecutive Africa Cup of Nations since 2010.
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