Zimbabwean Officials Shine as CAF Names Chimene and Tangawarima for AFCON 2025 Training in Cairo

Zimbabwe’s football officiating continues to make remarkable strides on the continental stage, with two of the country’s most distinguished refereeing figures, Brighton Chimene and Felix Tangawarima, selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the AFCON 2025 Preparation Course set to run from 8 to 13 November in Cairo, Egypt.

The course, which brings together Africa’s elite match officials, serves as an intensive pre-tournament programme designed to fine-tune refereeing standards ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 scheduled for Morocco.

Chimene, who has rapidly built a reputation as one of the continent’s top Video Match Officials (VMOs), will undergo advanced VAR (Video Assistant Referee) training alongside other leading specialists. His selection underscores Zimbabwe’s growing expertise in the use of technology to support fair play and accurate decision-making in modern football.

On the other hand, Felix Tangawarima, a revered figure in African refereeing and a CAF Referees Instructor, will play a mentorship and supervisory role during the training camp. A former FIFA referee himself, Tangawarima’s vast experience continues to shape the new generation of match officials across the continent, cementing his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential refereeing educators.

Speaking on the development, football analysts have hailed CAF’s recognition of Zimbabwean talent as a positive reflection of the country’s steady progress in football administration. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), under the leadership of President Nqobile Magwizi, has in recent years intensified efforts to professionalise and modernise refereeing structures, creating pathways for local officials to reach the international stage.

“Having both Chimene and Tangawarima representing Zimbabwe at such a high-profile CAF event is a proud moment for the nation. It speaks to the work being done behind the scenes to uplift the standards of refereeing,” said one ZIFA official.

For Chimene, this opportunity marks another step in his career trajectory, with hopes high that his expertise will contribute to Zimbabwe’s growing influence in continental officiating. For Tangawarima, it is yet another chance to inspire and pass on knowledge, ensuring the country remains part of CAF’s core refereeing leadership network.

As the continent gears up for the much-anticipated AFCON 2025 tournament, the presence of Zimbabwean officials in Cairo signals that the nation’s flag continues to fly high, not only on the pitch but also in the crucial corridors of match officiating excellence.