Decorated Fifa assistant referee Bernadette Kwimbira-Mzika is among three top African female match officials appointed to handle the 12-nation men’s Under 23 Maurice Revello Tournament in France from May 23 to June 12 this year.

The 48th edition of the tournament, which is expected to prepare the generation that will compete in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, will be contested by France, Algeria, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.

Kwimbira-Mzika: It is not a mean achievement

Twelve female centre referees and 24 assistants from Fifa’s six confederations will make the tournament’s first ever team of female match officials.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will be represented by Ethiopian centre referee Lydia Abebe and assistants Kwimbira-Mzika as well as Lidwine Rakotozafinoro from Madagascar.

Kwimbira-Mzika’s invitation letter from the world football governing body, dated March 29 2022, states that the Malawian and the other female referees have been assigned as part of their preparations for Fifa’s flagship competition in women’s football, the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The letter reads in part: “As part of the preparations for Fifa’s flagship competition in women football, we are pleased to inform you that Fifa has appointed the referees and assistant referees included on the attached list for the Maurice Revello Tournament 2022.

“[Match officials] are expected to arrive at Maseille Airport Provence on Monday, May 23…and must be prepared to be at Fifa’s disposal from the day of their arrival at Provence until the end of their duties. They are not permitted to be accompanied by another person during their assignment with Fifa.”

Kwimbira-Mzika on Wednesday said in an interview it was a great honour to be considered for international duties.

“There are so many female referees in Africa and it is not a mean achievement to be among the three that will be the continent’s ambassadors. It’s really a great honour for me and I am very happy,” she said.

Prior to the tournament, Kwimbira-Mzika is expected to attend an Elite A Women African Cup of Nations (Afcon) Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Preparation Course in Cairo, Egypt between April 23 and 29.

National Referees Association general secretary Chris Kalichero on Wednesday described Kwimbira-Mzika’s appointment as an inspiration to the country’s up-and-coming women referees.

“This is a great motivation to up-and-coming female referees and we are proud to have our own on the International stage,” he said.

Kwimbira-Mzika is Malawi’s most decorated Fifa referee, having officiated at two Olympic Games, two Fifa Women’s World Cups and five Women’s Afcon finals.  

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