Zambian referee Diana Chikotesha hopes that more female referees in Africa will be given the opportunity to officiate in men’s tournaments.
Chikotesha became the first female referee to officiate as a second assistant referee in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which saw Ivory Coast’ beat Nigeria 2-1 to lift the trophy for the third time.
The 35-year-old Petauke-born was also an assistant referee during the Senegal vs Cameroon game in Group C and Burkina Faso vs. Mauritania in Group D.
As an assistant referee, she also officiated Mali vs. Burkina Faso and Egypt vs. DR Congo in the Round of 16, Guinea vs. DR Congo in the Quarterfinals, and served as one of the Vidoe Assistant Referees in Nigeria’s semifinal match against South Africa.
Chikotesha was the only Zambian official at the 2023 AFCON, following her impressive performance at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Its beyond my dreams”- Chikotesha
Speaking to BolaNews in an exclusive interview on Monday, Chikotesha said her achievement was beyond her dreams.
“This is beyond my dreams,” she said. ” Honestly speaking, I never thought that one day I would officiate even in a men’s tournament, but doing it in the final is by the grace of God, and I thank FIFA, CAF, and my association, FAZ, for their support.
“I never thought I would officiate in a men’s tournament, but I am humbled.”
Chikotesha, who was admitted to the FIFA panel in 2014, has officiated at various continental and global events, including the CAF Women’s Champions League, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup, among other tournaments.
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She wants to see more female referees challenging themselves and taking up refereeing roles on the biggest football stage.
“I should not be the last one [to officiate in the final]. We should have more female referees officiating another final in the future or even at the [men’s] World Cup.”
