South African referee Akhona Makalima is on cloud nine as she is among the four African female match officials selected to officiate at this year’s women’s FIFA World Cup.
She will be joined by Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, Bouchra Karboubi from Morocco and Togo’s Vincentia Amedome.
The four will be joined by other seven African assistant referees at the eagerly-awaited tournament.
The tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand as from July 20 until August 20.
HARD WORK FINALLY PAYING OFF FOR AKHONA MAKALIMA
Makalima has since shared her excitement following her selection which will be her first Women’s World Cup assignment.
‘’It is always satisfying when you put all the hard work and you see it paying off,” Makalima told SAFA media department.
“SAFA and most officials have been putting in a lot of hard work to improve the officiating in the country and the number of officials appointed for FIFA and CAF tournaments is testament to the Association and officials hard work.”
Makalima has officiated at numerous FIFA and CAF tournaments before over the last few years.
The Eastern Cape-born referee revealed that the World Cup assignment is her big achievement as it came the least she expected it and she can’t wait to do what she loves wholeheartedly.
AKHONA MAKALIMA OVER THE MOON…
“My heart is filled with huge excitement and gratitude. This is what we all strive for as match officials – officiating at the biggest stage and I really want to thank all those involved in this project for a job well done.
‘’I am really overwhelmed with emotions, words cannot express my excitement,’’ added Makalima.
ASSISTANT REFEREES LIST
Diana Chikotesha – Zambia
Carine Atezambong – Cameroon
Fanta Kone – Mali
Soukaina Hamdi – Morocco
Fatiha Jermoumi – Morocco
Mary Njoroge – Kenya
Queency Victoire – Mauritania
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Adil Zourak – Mauritania
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