The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a list of referees and assistant referees for the upcoming CHAN 2024 Second Preparation and Selection Course, set for Cairo, Egypt from 21st to 25th June 2025 — with no active Zambian match official making the list.
Experienced referees from well-known football-playing countries including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia predominate the list.
The only Zambian included on the list is retired referee Janny Sikazwe, who is among the instructors and referees committee.
Regarded as one of Africa’s greatest referees ever, Sikazwe has remained involved in the game in a technical and mentoring role, assisting in the development of the next generation of African match officials.
Zimbabwe has Norman Matemera as one of the referees, while Malala Kabanga Yannick of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is the central referee. Ngila Gulain Bongele is as one of the assistant referees.
Angola has Helder Martins De Carvalho while Celso Armindo Alvacao from Mozambique is also on the list of referees. Tanzania has also secured two spots, with Ahmed Arajiga designated as a referee and Komba John Frank among the assistant referees.
Additionally, Botswana’s Lucky Kegakologetsewe has earned a place among the assistant referees, adding to the Southern Africa representation on the list.
The absence of active Zambian referees for the second successive CAF elite refereeing programme will serve as a sign for urgent attention to develop and promote the country’s next generation of top-level match officials.
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