26 August 2021 – Top South African referee Akhona Makalima, has been nominated by the world football governing body FIFA as a candidate for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand in 2023.
Following her outstanding performances while on international duty, Makalima was recommended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to be part of the officials who will officiate at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Makalima is among 55 officials nominated for this prestigious event from over 750 female referees and will have to maintain her fitness and sharpness to make the final list.
Makalima has over the years become one of the elite female referees having officiated on the continent’s biggest tournaments such as CAF Champions League, CAF Confederations Cup, African Women’s Africa Cup on Nations, junior Africa Cup of Nations and is currently one of the top officials within South Africa’s professional wing, the Premier Soccer League.
FIFA has requested for Member Associations to support the nominated candidates by ensuring that they are active and officiating the best matches available to them. Member Associations have also been urged continue developing their match officials and include them in the international programs, to continue building them for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.