JANNY SIKAZWE: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FOOTBALL REFEREEING

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6:36 AM • May 22, 2024

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Image Credit: Faz

Zambian football legend Janny Sikazwe has hung up his referee's whistle, but his impact on the beautiful game continues to inspire a new generation of match officials. Sikazwe's illustrious career spanned over a decade, with highlights including the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup Final, the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Final, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Now, Sikazwe is paying it forward by grooming future referees at the CAF Schools Afcon. Among his protégés is 17-year-old Jacinta Makasa from Kasama, who has been selected to officiate at the CAF African Schools Championship in Zanzibar. This talented young referee has already made a name for herself, having taken charge of several matches at the 2023 Africa Schools Championship and the Cosafa Zone tournament. Jacinta's participation in the CAF African Schools Football Championship is a testament to Sikazwe's dedication to nurturing young talent. The tournament features boys and girls under 15 from 44 countries, with over 804,480 young players participating. Although Zambia's teams didn't make it to the Africa Cup, Jacinta will proudly fly the Zambian flag. Sikazwe's legacy extends beyond his own achievements. Through the FAZ Young Talent Referees program, he has helped develop over 30 promising referees, including Jacinta. This initiative, supported by FAZ and FIFA experts, is shaping the future of Zambian football. As the CAF African Schools Football Championship kicks off on May 21, Jacinta will join referees from across Africa to officiate matches featuring teams from Benin, Libya, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Gambia, Morocco, Togo, and more. The draw on May 19 will determine the final fixtures, and we can't wait to see Jacinta in action. Indeed, Zambia is proud of its football heroes like Janny Sikazwe and rising stars like Jacinta Makasa. Their passion and dedication are inspiring a new generation of football enthusiasts. Follow Zed Sport for all the latest sports news updates.

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