. Sikazwe
By ADRIAN MWANZA –
ZAMBIAN referee Janny Sikazwe today takes centre stage as he officiates the FIFA Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers at the International Stadium Yokohama in Japan.
It will be the first time a Zambian official has refereed has been chosen to officiate a final game at this level.
During this competition however, he was in charge of the game between Kashima Antlers and Auckland City, which ended 2-1 in favour of the Japanese side.
Sikazwe said he was humbled to officiate the final and that it was a historical moment not only for him but for Zambian football as well.
“It’s really good for me to officiate in this tournament looking at the caliber of teams that are playing the final,” he said.
He panned suggestions that he was under pressure because the game would host big names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid.
“I am not under pressure to officiate in this game because of the magnitude of the game but I will give it my 100 per cent,” he said.
Sikazwe said his good officiating had made it possible for him to be picked to officiate in the finals of the club Championships.
“I did the opening game and I’m sure people saw it worthy for me to do even the finals of the tournament which I must say is a great honour,” he said.
