Exclusive: Chikotesha Talks Winning CAF Award, Family & Career

Fresh from winning the 2024 CAF female assistant referee of the year award, Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha has challenged young girls to take up refereeing as a career. 

It is difficult for someone to juggle family, education, and sports, particularly in Zambia, but Chikotesha has overcome all odds to become an educated mother and football referee and wants young girls to emulate her.

Last year, she became the first female assistant referee to officiate the Men's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, an achievement she describes as beyond her dreams.

“It is beyond my dreams, really. Honestly speaking, I never thought that one day I would officiate even in a men's tournament. But me reaching up to the final, it's only by the grace of God,” she told SportBoom.com.

BACKGROUND

Chikotesha was born and raised in Nanile village in the Petauke district, where she played football with boys  throughout her primary and secondary school years. 

Her dream of becoming a football star never came true. However, she never gave up on her love for the beautiful game, and in 2009, after completing secondary school and studying for a diploma in civic education and religious studies at Massi Computing College, she discovered her passion for refereeing after a brief stint at Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company, where she worked.

She would then go on to earn a degree in physical education and civic education before pursuing a master’s degree in sports management at Rockview University, where she currently lectures.

The 31-year-old eventually received her FIFA International referee badge in 2014, five years later, and it marked the beginning of better things to come in her referring career.

Chikotesha enrolled at the University of Zambia for her second master’s degree in physical education and sports, where she graduated last year.

FAMILY AND REFEREEING 

Although things appeared to be going well to many people, Chikotesha has had significant challenges juggling her education, work, and family as a female in a male-dominated sport.

“It is not easy to balance work, school, and family,” she said. “Honestly, I have been overloaded for many years. I have not had time to rest; refereeing is too involving now, with many courses and many trainings.”

Chikotesha's decision to occasionally leave her 9-year-old daughter has not been easy, but she has had to establish a balance to ensure she spends time with her when she is not on the whistle.

“My daughter always asks me, ‘Mummy, when are you coming home?’ and I am touched, but what can I do? It’s a life I chose, and all I have to do is strike a balance so that none of the things I care about the most suffer at the end of the day."

ON WINNING CAF AWARD

Chikotesha is thrilled to win the inaugural CAF Women’s Assistant referee of the year. 

“I am really humbled and thankful to CAF, FIFA, and my football association for the support and guidance they've given me throughout my journey,” she said. “I know that girls can do it; this is a good way to encourage women to get involved in the sport.” 

Having officiated at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Africa Cup for both men and women, among other major tournaments, making her one of the few most successful female referees on the continent, Chikotesha encourages young girls in Africa who would like to take up refereeing as a career to go for it.

“Identify your talents, be disciplined, be courageous, and be confident. I am telling you that if you have all these things, you will be able to achieve everything you want in life. No road is smooth to success; you have to pass through challenges but what is important is how you are going to overcome them. Work hard and also take a keen interest in education.

Last year, Chikotesh also received the Presidential Insignia of Honour award during Zambia's 60th independence anniversary.