The President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the development of women referees across the CECAFA Zone.

Andemariam said this while meeting referees and match instructors officiating at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal qualifier at the Gorilla Gold Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda on Sunday.

He commended the referees for the professionalism, teamwork and commitment they have demonstrated throughout the competition. The CECAFA President encouraged the female referees to remain ambitious and continue working towards the highest levels of the game, including becoming FIFA referees and earning appointments at major continental competitions.

He informed the officials that CECAFA has already initiated discussions with CAF aimed at strengthening the resources and development support available to CECAFA Member Associations. Andemariam further assured them that CECAFA will continue pursuing new sponsors and strategic partners to create more opportunities for women across the game. He also announced that CECAFA intends to start a dedicated women referees’ VAR development course in 2027.

Josephine Wanjiku, a referee from Kenya who also officiated at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 thanked the CECAFA President for the visit, and requested for a women’s only VAR course to equip them better.

Jean Sseninde, the CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde, reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to implementing the strategic direction of the CECAFA leadership and continuing to create an enabling environment for women to progress across technical and administrative areas of football.

Three referees from the CECAFA Zone have been selected to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 to take place in Poland.

The competition that will attract 24 teams will take place September 5-27^th, 2026.

Expereinced Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda, also the 2025 CAF Female referee of the year has been selected among the 18 center referees. Fides Bangurambona (Burundi) has been selected as an assistant referee, and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga will officiate as a Video match official.

Ali Ahmed, the head of refereeing for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) praised Nabadda, Burundi’s Fides Bangurambona (Assistant referee) and Rwanda’s Salina Mukansanga (Video match official) who have worked hard to earn the selection.

“Having the three officials picked means a lot to the Zone because they will also be flying the CECAFA flag,” added Ahmed.

The other match officials selected from Africa to officiate at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup inclide; Twanyanyukwa Antsino (Namibia), Fanta Kone (Mali), Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) and Cameroon’s Carien Atezambong.

Four teams from the African continent Benin, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria qualified to feature in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026.

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have arrived in Ivory Coast ahead of two International friendly matches against Benin and the hosts.

Under head coach Beldine Odemba, the Harambee Starlets will face Benin on Monday, and conclude with a match against Ivory Coast on March 4^th at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.

The two matches are will be used as build-ups ahead of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) expected to  take place in Morocco March 17^th to April 3^rd.

“We are glad that the team will play two build-up matches in Ivory Coast and later have time to camp in France,” said coach Odemba.

Ivory Coast are currently ranked 72nd in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, while Benin sit at 139. Kenya is currently placed 133^rd.

Kenya and Tanzania are the two teams that qualified for the 2026 WAFCON. The Harambee Starlets are pooled in Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

Final squad

Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi

Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele

Forwards: Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shalyne Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana

The new President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has officially assumed office at the CECAFA headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

He was warmly received by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Hussein Mohamed.

Flanked by CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi, Andermariam outlined his bold vision for a more revitalized and impactful CECAFA.

The new President said his mission centers on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing strategic partnerships – particularly with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports – and driving sustainable growth across the region.

Having earlier in the day met Ministry of Youth and Sports CS Elijah Mwangi, he revealed established and ongoing engagements between CECAFA and the Ministry aimed at establishing a permanent CECAFA Headquarters in Nairobi. This is deemed at enhancing CECAFA stability and regional influence.

He emphasized the need for more capacitated human resources to elevate the game, especially as the region—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

In his remarks, Hussein Mohamed welcomed the new President, pledging full support and collaboration to ensure CECAFA achieves its strategic objectives.

The event was attended by the CECAFA Vice-President and members of the CECAFA Secretariat, and former FKF Vice President Doris Petra. The new CECAFA President takes over from Alexandre Muyenge who served as the Acting President since late last year.