Zimbabwe’s top referee, Brighton Chimene, has received a significant boost to his career with his elevation to the FIFA Elite B class. The Rusape-based match official’s hard work and impressive performances on both the local and international stages over the past year have earned him this prestigious recognition. Brighton Chimene’s promotion reflects his growing influence in the global football officiating community, and it places him one step closer to officiating at the highest levels of international football, including the World Cup.
Brighton Chimene’s rise to the Elite B class comes after an eventful and successful year on the international scene. The 2024 season saw him officiate several high-profile fixtures, including matches in prestigious competitions such as the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers, and the CAF Champions League. Chimene was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Libya and Mauritius, the 2025 AFCON Qualifier featuring Tanzania and Guinea, as well as the CHAN Qualifier between Angola and Lesotho. These assignments are a testament to his skill and the trust that international football authorities place in his abilities.
Additionally, Brighton Chimene officiated at the CAF Champions League match between Arta Solar of Djibouti and Dekadaha of Somalia, showcasing his competence in managing high-stakes, continental competitions. His involvement in such prestigious matches further underlines his growing stature as a referee not only in Zimbabwe but across the continent.
Brighon Chimene’s influence was not confined to international football. On the regional front, he officiated at the COSAFA Senior Men’s Tournament, the COSAFA U20 and U17 Championships, and the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi. His consistent performances in these tournaments have cemented his reputation as one of the leading referees in the Southern African region.
As a result of his impeccable performances on the field, Brighton Chimene was also named the Zimbabwean Referee of the Year, an accolade that highlights his excellence in officiating across various competitions and his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. This achievement not only honors Brighton Chimene’s skill but also brings attention to Zimbabwe’s growing contribution to football officiating at the international level.
Brighton Chimene’s elevation to the FIFA Elite B class is a significant milestone in his career. According to ZIFA Referees Manager Joshua Tigere, this promotion places Chimene just one level below referees who officiate at the World Cup. “This is a significant rise,” Tigere said. “This means that he is now eligible to officiate at AFCON and CHAN tournaments. Effectively, he can now take charge of any international match, but for logistical reasons, CAF limits them to officiating within Africa.”
This new status offers Brighton Chimene the opportunity to officiate in a wide array of international competitions, including the prestigious AFCON and CHAN tournaments. However,Brighton Chimene’s elevation comes at a time when the list of officials for the upcoming CHAN tournament has already been finalized, meaning his new status will not be reflected in this particular tournament. Nevertheless, Brighton Chimene’s promotion signifies a bright future, and it is expected that he will feature prominently in future international tournaments.
In addition to Brighton Chimene’s promotion, Zimbabwe continues to maintain a strong presence on the FIFA panel, with 14 referees retained for the 2025 season. Among the male referees, Brighton Chimene joins Thabani Ruzario, Lawrence Zimondi, and Owen Manenda, who has returned to the panel after being excluded last year. The Zimbabwean female refereeing contingent also remains strong, with Mercy Mayimbo, Grace Gimo, and Thanks Nyahuye maintaining their spots on the FIFA panel for 2025.
The consistent inclusion of Zimbabwean referees on the FIFA panel highlights the country’s commitment to producing top-tier officiating talent. It also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of these individuals, who continue to uphold the integrity of the game on both the domestic and international stages.
Brighton Chimene’s elevation to the FIFA Elite B class is a remarkable achievement, marking a new chapter in his illustrious refereeing career. His impressive performances on the international stage, coupled with his continued success in regional tournaments, demonstrate his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As he embarks on this exciting new phase, Chimene’s promotion offers hope for the future of Zimbabwean football officiating and highlights the growing recognition of Zimbabwe’s role in the global football community.
In other mews – 2024 Zimsec A-Level results released
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has officially announced the results for the 2024 Advanced Level (A-Level) examinations, revealing impressive success rates and some notable trends in student performance. The results were shared in a news conference held on Friday in Harare by ZIMSEC Chairperson, Professor Paul Mapfumo.
The results reflect both positive outcomes and a few key shifts in the student demographics, giving a comprehensive view of the state of education at the Advanced Level in Zimbabwe. Read More
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