Offside:
Diana Chikotesha
Diana Chikotesha is rewriting history. From dreaming of playing football to becoming the first female on-pitch official at AFCON, she’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Her journey is one of resilience, excellence, and inspiration for women in sport
In a world where sports often reflect cultural divides, decorated female referee Diana Chikotesha symbolises optimism and resilience. Her journey—from a young girl in a village in Zambia’s Eastern Province with a pocket full of dreams and a deep passion for football to an internationally recognised referee—is one of grit and determination. As a child, Diana dreamt of becoming a professional footballer, even though women’s football was far less established at the time and not widely seen as a viable career choice.
At 36 years old, Diana is now one of Africa’s most celebrated female referees. Her dream of playing professional football was cut short due to family opposition, who believed it was unsuitable for a woman to play football. However, Diana’s love for the sport remained unwavering. In 2009, she was inspired by the now-retired Gladys Lengwe, a trailblazing Zambian female referee she saw on TV. Determined to find her own place in the sport, Diana embarked on the path of refereeing. By 2014, after years of rigorous training, study, and hard work, she earned her FIFA badge as an international referee.
One of the most significant moments of Diana’s career came when she officiated at the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Under-23 Men’s Africa Cup. She made history in 2023 as the first female assistant referee to officiate a men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final—an achievement she describes as surreal. “There had been women who officiated at AFCON before, but I never thought I’d see the day a woman would officiate a men’s final, let alone that I’d be that woman,” Diana recalls. Her accomplishments have since earned her accolades such as the GSport African Woman in Sport Award, recognition as Best Female Referee at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Awards, the President’s Insignia of Honour conferred by Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema for her outstanding contributions to football, and, most recently, in December 2024, CAF Women’s League Assistant Referee of the Year.
Diana is dedicated to constant growth, holding two Master’s degrees and a PhD on the way.
Diana’s achievements carry cultural significance beyond the pitch. They challenge long-held stereotypes and patriarchal norms about women’s roles in society. “As a woman, no matter how accomplished you are, culture and religion still play a big role in holding women back,” she notes. “There’s this stereotype that a woman’s place is only in the kitchen. Thankfully, I have a supportive husband and daughter who understand and support my work. That’s not the case for many women.”
Despite progress, Diana highlights the challenges women in Zambian football still face, including limited access to training and recovery facilities. This poses an additional difficulty for Diana as she adheres to FIFA’s strict training regime to maintain the physical and mental fitness required for elite refereeing.
When asked what makes a great referee, Diana emphasises consistency, resilience, discipline, and empathy. “The rules of football don’t change. What was a penalty yesterday will still be a penalty today,” she explains. “It’s important to follow the rules to make sound decisions on the pitch.” Diana also believes in learning from mistakes. “Refereeing is a constant learning process. You can’t be complacent. You have to keep improving yourself and be ready to face criticism because not everyone will agree with your decisions. But it’s also crucial to show empathy to players and yourself. Mistakes are inevitable—referees can make the same mistakes players make—but they’re opportunities to grow.”
Diana’s story is an inspiring narrative of perseverance and determination. From officiating local league matches to being on the global stage with FIFA, her journey proves that dreams are achievable with hard work and dedication. Diana hopes her work will inspire young girls and women to pursue their passions. “There’s always room at the table, even if women have to work twice as hard to earn a seat,” she says.
Diana is a trailblazer in her career, she was awarded CAF Assistant Referee of the Year 2024.
Through her organisation, Chikotesha Dream Foundation, Diana supports young women aspiring to break into football while also encouraging them to pursue academic qualifications. “I want to work hard so I can inspire more girls and sponsor their education,” she shares. “My mission is to empower young girls in both sports and academics. I’m deeply invested in the stories of young women passionate about education and athletics. I am always open to sharing my experiences with those seeking guidance. Seeing one of my mentees achieve something, like being invited to the COSAFA Under-17 tournament, is one of my proudest moments. These milestones reaffirm the importance of nurturing the next generation of female leaders in sports and beyond.”
Diana’s commitment to education is evident in her achievements. She holds two Master’s degrees in Sports Management and Physical Education and Sports and is currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Education and Sports. She firmly believes that education and sport go hand in hand. Diana’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination, showing that no obstacle is insurmountable for those who dare to dream.
Women in Zambian sport continue to excel, breaking records and inspiring future generations. From Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji making history in international football to Tilka Paljk and Mia Phiri dominating in swimming, their achievements showcase Zambia’s growing influence in the global sporting arena. Their success is changing the landscape of women’s sports, proving that Zambian women are no longer here to participate, but to lead. With pioneers like Diana Chikotesha paving the way, the future of Zambian women in sports looks brighter by the day.
Recognised for her impact, Diana received the Presidential Insignia of Honour of Zambia in 2024, strengthening her legacy as a sports pioneer.
