By Milton Marima
Six Zimbabwean female match officials have been appointed by FIFA to officiate in the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, giving Zimbabwe a strong presence in the continental qualification campaign.
Grace Gimo will take charge of the second-round first-leg match between Benin and Mali on 8 October 2026 at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
She will be assisted by fellow Zimbabwean Dominica Melusi, who has been appointed Assistant Referee One.
Zimbabwe will also have a full officiating team for the second-leg encounter between Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso, scheduled for 13 October 2026 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Thanks Nyahuye will serve as the centre referee, with Claris Sekai Nyatanga and Progress Chatsamwa appointed as Assistant Referees One and Two respectively. Mercy Chipo Mayimbo will serve as the Fourth Official.
The appointments have been welcomed by the Zimbabwe Football Association, which said the selection reflects the confidence placed in Zimbabwean match officials and represents a proud moment for the country’s refereeing fraternity.
ZIFA also said the appointments provide encouragement to aspiring female officials across Zimbabwe, as the six referees prepare to represent the country on the continental stage.
The assignments add to the growing international recognition of Zimbabwean female referees, with all six officials appearing on FIFA’s 2026 international refereeing list.
