Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN referee Brighton Chimene has made history by earning a prestigious appointment to officiate at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to run from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed Chimene’s selection, marking a significant milestone not just in his personal career but for Zimbabwean football as a whole.
Chimene becomes the first Zimbabwean to ever officiate at a CHAN tournament, a competition that showcases the best locally-based talent from across the continent. His inclusion among Africa’s top referees is a testament to his consistency, professionalism, and hard work over the years. It’s a rare honor that elevates Zimbabwe’s profile in the realm of continental football officiating.
Even more notably, Chimene is the first Zimbabwean referee to be appointed to a major continental tournament since Kenny Marange officiated at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). That 17-year gap underscores just how significant this moment is for local refereeing, which has often gone unnoticed in regional football circles.
