FAM Approves 128 Referees for 2026 Elite Competitions

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Referees Standing Committee has approved 128 referees to officiate in the 2026 elite competitions.

The list comprises 17 FIFA referees and 111 local elite referees, alongside 30 elite referee assessors, of which 25 are male and five are female.

In addition, the committee has approved 116 referees for the National Division League, National Women’s League and regional leagues, with 100 male and 16 female referees. A further 24 assessors have been appointed for the division leagues.

FAM Referees Manager Duncan Lengani said the selection process was guided by strict criteria, with professionalism at the core.

“We were looking at physical fitness, knowledge of the laws of the game and also experience,” he said.

Lengani also highlighted the committee’s long-term succession plan.

“Last year we conducted a beginners course, and this year we will promote some referees from grade two to grade one. We are also organizing grassroots courses in all four regions as part of our succession plan,” he added.

On expectations, Lengani emphasized discipline and adherence to standards.

“We have great expectations from these referees, and we are confident they will maintain the code of conduct set by the Association,” he said.

The 2026 list features 110 male referees and 18 female referees, reflecting continued efforts to promote inclusivity within officiating structures.

ELITE LIST

REFEREES

1. Alfred Chilinda
2. Benson Subiri
3. Cedrick Mwachumu
4. Charles Chimimba
5. Chitani Tobias
6. Clemence Kanduku
7. Dan Dauya
8. David Chinoko
9. Deus Nyirongo
10. Easter Zimba
11. Edson Chagala
12. Enerst Kapazi
13. Eness Gumbo
14. Gift Chicco
15. Godfrey NKhakananga
16. Grace Mtambo
17. Hendrix Liponda
18. Honest Maulana
19. Ibrahim Mussa
20. Idi Hassan
21. Idrissa Kapinga
22. Idrissa Matola
23. Issa Major
24. Jabesi Chiphwanya
25. Jimmy Phiri
26. Joel Mzunda
27. Joshua Msiska
28. Kelvin Magwaya
29. Kondwani Kamwendo
30. Lackson Chunda
31. Lameck Manda
32. Lanken Zembereko
33. Macdonald Phiri
34. Mark Banda
35. Marko Dzimbasekwa
36. Mayamiko Kanjere
37. Mcloud Dickson
38. Meluce Nyirongo
39. Mercy Kaira
40. Mercy Mziya
41. Michael Mwambyale
42. Mwayi Msungama
43. Newton Nyirenda
44. Osman Nyasulu
45. Pachalo Manemba
46. Peter Jossam
47. Peter Phiri
48. Rodrick Kapatamoyo
49. Rose Zimba
50. Shaibu Cassim
51. Victor Msiska
52. Waliko Simfukwe
53. William Chidambo
54. Zebron Lengani

ASSISTANT REFEREES

1. Blessings Masauko
2. Charity Banda
3. Charity Zenus
4. Charles Chataika
5. Charles Lulaka
6. Chikumbutso Chimndaka
7. Chipiliro Phiri
8. Christina Mhango
9. Clement Kamwendo
10. Elias Chikoleka
11. Emily Chathamthumba
12. Eric Simsamala
13. Evance Barton
14. Evance Msonda
15. Faith Gondwe
16. Fiskani Kaonga
17. Gift Kossam
18. Happiness Mbandambanda
19. Harrison Simbeye
20. Hendrix Maseko
21. Henry Bello
22. Hussein Mbangwe
23. Innocent Jaha
24. Jailosi Ngoma
25. Joseph Nyauti
26. Juliana Saizi
27. Khumbo Mandhlopa
28. Lameck Phiri
29. Lesly Kuchilunda
30. Limbani John
31. Limbani Mussa
32. Lloyd Makambwe
33. Mabvuto Godoya
34. MacHastings Kanjati
35. Mackson Phiri
36. Mark Thunyani
37. Martin Kaoneka
38. Masautso Chirwa
39. Mathias Chirwa
40. McMillian Msopenge
41. Mercy Chinula
42. Moreen Zinkambani
43. Moses Golomba
44. Mphatso Mangitsa
45. Mphatso Mmatete
46. Mussa Grant
47. Obeti Mhango
48. Paul Chikopa
49. Paul Sakwiya
50. Pius Kamanga
51. Pondamali Tembo
52. Rabson Mwakifwamba jnr
53. Rehema Shaban
54. Richard Katchedzera
55. Richard Shumba
56. Samson Wasili
57. Samuel Fudzulani
58. Saul Giringo
59. Saul Manjawira
60. Shryness Silumbu
61. Sibusiso Sibande
62. Siyame Chitambo
63. Solomon Siliwonde
64. Stammy Msukwa
65. Steve Nyirenda
66. Straus Magwaza
67. Symon Rajab
68. Tamandani Sengani
69. Thomas Mang’amba
70. Wales Chisi
71. Yafwiramu Nundwe
72. Yohane Chiutika
73. Yonas Jonas
74. Zagalo Chimbulumata