Breaking Barriers: Diana Chikotesha’s Trailblazing Journey In Football Officiating

From the dusty fields of Petauke to the dazzling lights of the Africa Cup of Nations final, Diana Chikotesha is a name now etched in African football history. As the first female assistant referee to officiate a men’s AFCON final, she has not only broken boundaries — she has set new ones.

With over a decade as a FIFA-accredited official, Chikotesha’s rise is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. Her accolades, including CAF’s Female Assistant Referee of the Year and COSAFA’s Female Referee of the Year, mark her as one of the continent’s most accomplished officials. But beyond the trophies lies a powerful message: that with education, discipline, and determination, Zambian women can lead on the world stage.

A mother, academic, and global trailblazer, she continues to inspire the next generation of girls who dare to dream — on and off the pitch.

In the world of football officiating, where men have long dominated the field, one woman, Diana Chikotesha is rewriting history. The Zambian assistant referee has risen through the ranks to become a beacon of inspiration for young girls across Africa, proving that with determination, passion and resilience anything is possible.

When renowned Zambian FIFA referee Janny Sikazwe retired, many wondered who would carry the country’s flag on the global stage. Those concerns were swiftly put to rest as Chikotesha emerged, showcasing remarkable skill and unwavering commitment to the game. From the moment she stepped onto the pitch as a referee, it was clear she was destined for greatness.

Chikotesha celebrated a significant milestone last year, 10 years as a FIFA accredited referee and she marked the occasion by making history as the first female assistant referee to officiate an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) men’s final when hosts Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria in a thrilling match. This achievement was soon followed by another remarkable recognition, being named Female Assistant Referee of the Year at the prestigious CAF 2024 Awards where another Zambian female athlete Barbara Banda stole the limelight when she was named Africa Women Footballer of the Year.

Chikotesha’s accolades also include the Council for Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Female Referee of the Year title, solidifying her place as a pioneer in the sport.

She is the only Zambian referee who has been selected by CAF to officiate at the next African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated for August this year to be co-hosted by four countries, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan.

Upon receiving her CAF award, Chikotesha delivered a powerful message to young girls who may feel discouraged from pursuing refereeing, believing it to be a male dominated field.
“This means a lot to me and also to a girl child who thinks refereeing can only be done by men,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for introducing female referees into men’s tournaments, a move she believes will open more doors for women in the sport.
“I hope I won’t be the last female referee to officiate a men’s final. At some point, I never imagined being in this position, but here I am. Everything is possible as long as you have the right people supporting you,” she said.

Born 37 years ago in Petauke, a district in Zambia’s Eastern Province, Chikotesha’s love for football was evident from a young age. Unlike many girls in her community, she played football with boys during her primary and secondary school years. Initially, she dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, never imagining she would one day transition to officiating.

However, after completing school in 2009, her aspirations of playing professionally did not materialize. Instead, she pursued higher education, studying civic education and religious studies. For Chikotesha, education is a crucial tool for sustainability, especially for female athletes who often have shorter careers.
“Women athletes often have shorter careers, so it’s important to prepare for the future. I value education because it lasts, even if injuries or age limit my athletic career,” she said.

Despite shifting her focus to academics, Chikotesha’s passion for football never faded. Her refereeing amazement moment came while watching a televised football match - seeing a female referee in action ignited a new dream within her, one that she pursued with relentless determination.
“One instrumental moment in my life was when I saw a woman officiating a football match on television. This inspired me and helped me overcome the doubts I had about my abilities,” she recalled.

Determined to make her mark, Chikotesha began officiating in Zambia’s local leagues. Her talent and dedication caught the attention of COSAFA, which invited her to officiate in regional tournaments. These experiences not only honed her skills but also boosted her confidence. In 2014, she earned her FIFA international referee badge, opening doors to even bigger tournaments and global recognition.

Chikotesha’s officiating career has taken her across the world, overseeing matches in top tier tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations for both men and women, CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup, the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and various junior competitions. On the international stage, she has officiated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2022 Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Despite her many accomplishments, the journey has not been without challenges. As a mother of one, Chikotesha has had to juggle her refereeing career, education and parental responsibilities.
“It is not easy because you never have time for anything. My work is so demanding, and I still have to be a mother and study. There is no rest, you have to work extra hard. But with God on your side, you achieve your goals,” she said.

She believes her hard work and excellence in her duties have the potential to inspire young girls never to give up on their dreams.

Chikotesha has also excelled in her academics as she has a master’s degrees in physical education and civic education and another degree in sports management as well as lecturing at Rockview University to add to her demanding lifestyle. Chikotesha says her achievements are a testament that gender should never be a limitation in achieving greatness. Her journey is far from over, and the world will undoubtedly continue to witness her making history in football officiating.

By Paul Simpelwe