By Melisa Munzvandi
Six Zimbabwean female match officials have been handed FIFA appointments for the African qualifiers for the LA28 Womens Olympic Football Tournament in a landmark moment for local refereeing.
Grace Gimo will take charge when Benin face Mali on 8 October with Dominica Melusi appointed as Assistant Referee 1.
Five days later, Thanks Nyahuye will be at the centre when Equatorial Guinea host Burkina Faso on 13 October. She will lead an all Zimbabwean team of Claris Sekai Nyatanga, Progress Chatsamwa and Mercy Chipo Mayimbo.
The double appointment is a major vote of confidence in Zimbabwean officiating. It comes as ZIFA intensifies its drive to develop female referees through elite training and CAF courses.
For the officials, it is reward for years of work from school football to the Premier Soccer League and continental duty. For the country, it is visibility on the road to Los Angeles.
More importantly, it sends a message to young girls that football has space beyond playing. The whistle is also a pathway.
The six officials are expected to travel this week for their assignments.