ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa says it was refreshing to witness female referees on duty when the Mighty Warriors played Egypt on Tuesday and was very supportive of the idea to bring more women into sport.

Kuda Majo was the centre referee and she was assisted by Stella Ruvinga and Claris Simango whilst Thanks Mahuye was the reserve referee.

Referees instructor Sabelo Maphosa was the match commissioner.

Female referees have become a common sight in recent years and Chiyangwa said he was happy to see female referees making a mark in a male dominated sport.

“I am really impressed by their performance. We believe in the ability of women and we want them to play a more active role in the league. I think having women referees in our games will be good for the league long term. Gone are the days when the game of football was confined to just the men

It’s a good sight to see more female referees and sports administrators.”

Chiyangwa said ZIFA took a leading example in employing a female coach, assistant Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda.

Kwinji 15 is a former Mighty Warriors player and Tsholotsho assistant Coach.

“Women of this generation are actively involved in just about anything and everything and their presence and achievements have been acknowledged the world over.  

“In the field of sports, women are just as successful as the men, and we bear testimony of our Mighty Warriors after their participation in Rio, Brazil.

“Their impact in the global market is simply awesome. So I think having women referees will be good for us.

“We appreciate them and it must be known that we are an association that is not sexist. On our technical bench, we make sure, we have more ladies as their doctors and physiotherapist. The role of women in society transcends beyond the confines of home and office.”

Chiyangwa also spoke about female sport journalists.

“The truth is that we can’t do without these women and they always bring a different dimension to the game. We want to see more female journalists covering sports. I have seen a few, but the number must balance with their male counterparts,” added Chiyangwa.

Chiyangwa added that they were hoping some of their referees will be picked to officiate at the forthcoming 2016 Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3.