Six Zimbabwean Referees Secure FIFA Appointments

Six Zimbabwean female match officials have earned FIFA appointments to officiate in the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, marking a significant moment for the country’s refereeing fraternity.

The appointments will see the officials take charge of matches in the second round of the continental qualifiers, with Zimbabwe set to have a strong presence on the international stage.

Grace Gimo has been appointed referee for the first-leg encounter between Benin and Mali on 8 October 2026 at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo. She will be assisted by Dominica Melusi, who has been named Assistant Referee 1.

Thanks Nyahude will also carry Zimbabwe’s flag when she takes charge of the second leg match between Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso on 13 October 2026 at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

She will be supported by Claris Sekai Nyatanga as Assistant Referee 1, Progress Chatsamwa as Assistant Referee 2 and Mercy Chipo Mayimbo as Fourth Official.

ZIFA described the appointments as a reflection of the confidence placed in Zimbabwean match officials.

“These appointments reflect the confidence placed in Zimbabwean match officials and represent a proud moment for our refereeing community,” ZIFA said.

The association also highlighted the wider significance of the appointments for the development of women’s football officiating in Zimbabwe.

“They also provide encouragement to aspiring female officials across the country,” ZIFA said.