Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
REFEREE Brighton Chimene’s ascent through the ranks of African football continues with a steady, unshakeable rhythm, each new appointment from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) adding another layer to a career that now reads like a masterclass in discipline, poise and unflinching authority.
His latest call ups have once again placed him under the continental spotlight, reinforcing a reputation that has long outgrown local stadiums and now echoes across Africa’s premier football arenas.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) was quick to salute the news yesterday, framing Chimene’s latest assignments as clear affirmation of what many within the game already know — that Zimbabwe’s most seasoned officials are capable of standing toe to toe with the best on the continent. The new fixtures will see the Rusape bred whistle man take control of key matches in both the Caf Confederation Cup and the Caf Champions League.
“Zifa congratulates referee Brighton Chimene on his latest Caf Continental appointments. The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) congratulates referee Brighton Chimene on his latest Caf Continental appointments, a reflection of his consistency and the growing recognition of Zimbabwean match officials on the African stage.
“Chimene has been appointed as Referee for the Caf Confederation Cup 2025/26 fixture between CR Belouizdad (Algeria) and Al-Masry SC (Egypt), to be played on 21 March 2026 at Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers (kick-off 20:00 CAT). He will also serve as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the Caf Champions League 2025/26 match between Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Stade Malien (Mali) on 13 March 2026 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane (kick-off 20:00 CAT).
“Zifa wishes Brighton Chimene well as he carries the national flag with pride and professionalism on these important continental assignments,” Zifa wrote.
For Chimene, these appointments are another stride along a road he has walked with humility and discipline, all the while keeping his biggest ambition burning steadily in the background — a place among the officials at the Fifa World Cup. Those who have watched his growth locally will attest that the dream is not misplaced. Soft spoken outside the lines but commanding within them, Chimene has built his career on controlled authority, turning hostile atmospheres into balanced contests and bringing order to matches that often teeter on the edge.
His football education began long before the stadium lights, back when he was a pupil at Vengere High School. Over the years, he has become a familiar presence in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, officiating with a consistency that has earned him respect from players and coaches alike. His performances have not merely been noticed — they have been repeatedly honoured. The Referee of the Year accolade first came his way in 2014, returned to him in 2019, and again found its way back in 2023, a testament to a longevity and standard that few can sustain.
That string of awards has put him within touching distance of the legendary Felix Tangawarima, whose record has long stood as a benchmark for excellence. Chimene now stands on eight accolades, matching the iconic tally and signalling his place alongside the very best Zimbabwean refereeing has ever produced.
It is a quiet milestone, but one that speaks volumes about endurance, professionalism and the ability to stay relevant in a game that evolves with each passing season.
