Kenyan football referee Josephine Wanjiku in action during a past match.[FKF Media]
Kenyan referee Wanjiru selected to officiate at FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
Football
By
Robert Abong'o
| Aug 01, 2025
Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiru has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 8, 2025, with the appointment highlighting Africa’s expanding role in international football officiating.
FIFA’s Referees Committee announced a diverse lineup of officials for the tournament, stressing the continent’s growing presence on the global stage.
A total of 54 match officials, including 18 referees and 36 assistant referees from 36 different FIFA Member Associations, will oversee the competition.
READ MORE
COP30: Fund climate communication to the grassroots
The unsung pedagogies behind Ngugi wa Thiong'o
TSC invites teachers to talks on new pay deal
Kanu party: Budget to hurt private sector, Kenyans
A tribute to the giant of African literature Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Ngugi wa Thiong'o: Gen Zs share tributes of late literary icon
Why Ngugi wa Thiong'o never won Nobel Prize for Literature
Where laughter lives: Memories with Baba, Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Among the distinguished referees to join Wanjiru is Yacine Samassa of Mauritania.
Joining them are four African assistant referees: Yara Atef from Egypt, Alice Umutesi of Rwanda, Fides Bangurambona from Burundi, and Senegal’s Tabara Mbodji. This diverse group underscores the depth of female officiating talent emerging from Africa, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote gender equity and develop refereeing standards across the continent.
The inclusion of six African officials at such a prestigious global tournament marks a significant milestone in the continent’s journey toward parity and excellence in football officiating.
Share this story
Harambee Stars bow out of CHAN after losing to Madagascar in post-match penalties
Madagascar qualifies for semi-finals after 4-3 win against Harambee Stars on penalty shootouts; teams scored 1-1 at full-time of play.Fans paint Kasarani red and white in Harambee Stars clash with Madagascar
The atmosphere at the Kasarani Stadium proved electric as Kenya took Madagascar head on in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal fixture in Nairobi on Friday evening.Malkia Strikers players cry for their own millions
Malkia Strikers players say they are yet to receive their allowances even as they face Germany in the World Championships on Saturday.Kenya-Tanzania banter: Why both sides are seeking CHAN 2024 bragging rights
Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars have recorded impressive results in the tournament. Their fans are now teasing each other online over which team is better on the pitch.Team Kenya yearns for more after Lemngole's win in Lausanne meet
It was Doris Lemngole’s braved a rainy night to produce a spectacular win in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the third last Diamond League meet.MOST READ
Harambee Stars bow out of CHAN after losing to Madagascar in post-match penalties
SPORTS