BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Standing Committee has approved a total of 128 referees to officiate in the country’s 2026/27 elite competitions, marking a significant step in strengthening match officiating standards across all top tier leagues.
The list includes 17 FIFA accredited referees and 111 local elite referees alongside 30 elite referee assessors, 25 male and five female tasked with maintaining performance standards.
In addition, 116 referees have been cleared to handle fixtures in the National Division League, National Women’s League and regional leagues, comprising 100 men and 16 women.
A further 24 assessors have been appointed to oversee the division leagues.
FAM Referees Manager Duncan Lengani said the selection process followed strict and transparent criteria, with professionalism and competence at the centre.
He emphasized that only those who met the required fitness, technical knowledge and ethical standards made the final cut.
The 2026/27 panel reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity, with 18 female referees integrated into the elite structure alongside 110 male counterparts.
This balance highlights FAM’s continued push to open doors for women in football officiating, an area traditionally dominated by men.
Among the notable names approved to handle elite matches are Alfred Chilinda, Benson Subiri, Cedrick Mwachumu, Charles Chimimba, Chitani Tobias, Clemence Kanduku and Dan Dauya.
Others include David Chinoko, Deus Nyirongo, Easter Zimba, Edson Chagala and Enerst Kapazi.
The list also features Eness Gumbo, Gift Chicco, Godfrey NKhakananga, Grace Mtambo, Hendrix Liponda and Honest Maulana. Ibrahim Mussa, Idi Hassan, Idrissa Kapinga, Idrissa Matola and Issa Major have also made the cut.
Further selections include Jabesi Chiphwanya, Jimmy Phiri, Joel Mzunda, Joshua Msiska, Kelvin Magwaya and Kondwani Kamwendo alongside Lackson Chunda, Lameck Manda and Lanken Zembereko.
Macdonald Phiri, Mark Banda, Marko Dzimbasekwa, Mayamiko Kanjere and Mcloud Dickson are also part of the elite panel together with Meluce Nyirongo, Mercy Kaira, Mercy Mziya and Michael Mwambyale.
Adding to the list including Mwayi Msungama, Newton Nyirenda, Osman Nyasulu, Pachalo Manemba, Peter Jossam and Peter Phiri, as well as Rodrick Kapatamoyo, Rose Zimba, Shaibu Cassim, Victor Msiska, Waliko Simfukwe, William Chidambo and Zebron Lengani.
On the assistant referees list, Blessings Masauko, Charity Banda, Charity Zenus, Charles Chataika and Charles Lulaka are among those selected.
Not only that but also Chikumbutso Chimndaka, Chipiliro Phiri, Christina Mhango, Clement Kamwendo and Elias Chikoleka.
Emily Chathamthumba, Eric Simsamala, Evance Barton, Evance Msonda, Faith Gondwe and Fiskani Kaonga have also been included, alongside Gift Kossam and Happiness.
The approval of the referees sets the stage for what is expected to be a competitive and well officiated 2026/27 football season.