By Shaffie A Mtambo
Godfrey Nkhakananga, a prominent Malawian football referee, has made his debut in the COSAFA Senior Men’s Championship, officiating the match between Mauritius and Zimbabwe in South Africa.
Nkhakananga is joined by fellow Malawian referee Lameck Phiri from Mzuzu City, who has also been selected by the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) to participate in the tournament.

Both referees are expected to bring their expertise and experience to the tournament, and their involvement is expected to bring valuable exposure to Malawian football.
The COSAFA Championship is a highly anticipated event in the Southern African football calendar, featuring some of the top teams in the region.
Malawi’s national team, Flames, is participating in the tournament and is grouped with Angola, Lesotho, and Namibia.
The team’s performance in the tournament will be closely watched, and the referees will play a crucial role in ensuring that the matches are fair and enjoyable for the fans.
Nkhakananga’s involvement in the tournament is notable not only for his on-field officiating but also for his role in providing services through the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
This technology is designed to help referees make accurate decisions, and Nkhakananga’s expertise in using it will be valuable in ensuring that the matches are officiated fairly.
The tournament, which will conclude on June 22 in Bloemfontein, promises to be an exciting event, with some of the top teams in Southern Africa competing for the championship.