Easter Zimba has been named as the centre referee for the eagerly awaited Airtel Top 8 semifinal, where Karonga United will go head-to-head with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Bingu National Stadium this Saturday evening.
The People’s Team make their way to the capital to take on the northern region side under the floodlights, marking only their second-ever night fixture at BNS. For Karonga, the occasion is particularly momentous—it will be their first match under the lights at the national stadium and their long-awaited return to the venue for a cup tie since 2019.
That year, Karonga United faced Silver Strikers in the Airtel Top 8 final at Bingu—a tournament Bullets missed following a competition ban.
Zimba, widely regarded as one of Malawi’s most seasoned referees, is no stranger to high-pressure encounters. The Lilongwe-based official has handled numerous Bullets matches over the years. Earlier this season, he officiated the TNM Super League opener between Bullets and Silver Strikers at the same venue, and more recently, served as fourth official during the Blantyre derby at Kamuzu Stadium on 31 May.
Assisting Zimba on the pitch will be Clemmence Kanduku from Kasungu, serving as first assistant referee. A dependable figure with extensive experience in high-profile domestic matches, Kanduku was also on duty as first assistant when Bullets defeated Silver Strikers in April.
Evance Msonda takes up the role of second assistant referee. Based in Lilongwe, Msonda has continued his rise through the refereeing ranks and returns to Bingu having been part of the officiating team during Bullets’ 2-0 win over Kamuzu Barracks in the Airtel Top 8 semifinals last November.
Completing the officiating team, Alfred Chilinda will serve as fourth official, while Symon Jovinala, a former elite referee, has been appointed as the referees’ assessor for the crucial semifinal tie.
Referee: Easter Zimba
Assistant Ref: Clemence Kanduku
Assistant Ref: Evans Msonda
Fourth Official: Alfred Chilinda
Referees’ Assessor: Simon Jovinala
