Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe will officiate at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Zambia no.1 referee is one of the six on a 36 selected for football’s biggest show piece which will kick off in June.
He is viewed as one of the Africa’s top ranked referee.
The African referees are: Mehdi Abid Charef from Algeria, Malang Diedhiou of Senegal, Bakary Papa Gassama from The Gambia, Gehad Grisha from Egypt, Janny Sikazwe from Zambia, and Ethiopian Bamlak Tessema Weyesa.
With the Chipolopolo Boys failing to make a maiden appearance at a World Cup, all eyes will be on the central province based school teacher.
The former St Paul’s Secondary school pupil has handled both the CAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup finals
On the local scene, he was in charge of the 2017 Barclays Cup final between Zanaco and Napsa Stars.
As he waits for the World Cup to start, Sikazwe is expected to handle CAF Champions League games as well as MTN Super League games.
For the followers of the English Premier League, there will be no British referee in Russia.
The world governing body also announced that video assistant referees (VAR) will be chosen from the pool of officials.
VAR, which has caused controversy in Europe, will be used for the first time at a World Cup when the tournament starts on 14 June.
The officials, chosen from 46 countries, will attend a two-week seminar at the Italian Football Association’s base in Coverciano next month.
Europe will be represented by referees from Germany, Turkey, Russia, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia and France.
Asia will have six as will north and South America and two from Oceania.
Congratulations Mr. Sikazwe, you keep keep raising the bar. Goes to show your exploits are revered world-wide. Personally admire your professionalism and humbleness. Indeed a part of Zambia will grace Russia 2018!
well done. dont fluff things