MBABANE – As continental attention turns to a high-stakes CAF Confederation Cup showdown this Sunday, Eswatini’s international referees step into the international spotlight.
Reports indicate that Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini and Celumusa Phiri have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate a TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup group-stage fixture involving South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi host Zambian powerhouse ZESCO United in the second leg of their group-stage encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
The two Eswatini officials will form part of the match officiating team, extending the kingdom’s representation in CAF inter-club competitions. They are expected to work alongside two others from Namibia, according to reports. Impeccable sources confirmed that these two are expected to leave for Durban today.
“These two will work alongside Namibian officials in Durban this weekend,” the source said. Phiri referred all questionnaires to the EFA.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe said his office was yet to receive official correspondence.
“I can neither deny nor affirm these reports because my office is yet to receive correspondence,” he said.
CAF selects match officials from its pool of accredited referees and assistants across member associations, with appointments determined through performance assessments and recent domestic and international assignments. A FIFA badge places one at a better chance of selection.
Dlamini, who earned his International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) badge in 2019, has steadily risen through the continental ranks. He was appointed to officiate at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), among several international assignments. During that tournament, he operated under the guidance of Eswatini’s longest-serving FIFA referee, Thulani Sibandze, who officiated as centre referee.
On the domestic front, Dlamini has handled high-profile MTN Premier League fixtures and major cup competitions. His assignments have included intense derbies such as the Mbabane and Shiselweni clashes, as well as decisive league encounters.
Phiri brings a growing continental resume on his own. The assistant referee earned his FIFA badge in 2024, becoming the most recent addition to Eswatini’s list of six FIFA-accredited assistant referees.
Between April and May last year, Phiri officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-20 tournament in Egypt. Prior to that, he was selected to attend the CAF Young Talent Referees Course held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from March 3 to 8, 2025.
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