Kenyan elite FIFA referee Waweru to officiate at CHAN 2023

Kenyan top referee Peter Kamaku Waweru has picked by the Confederation of African Football to officiate in the Africa Nations Championship, which kicks off in January 2023 in Algeria.

He has specifically been appointed as a Video Assistant Referee for the tournament, having officiated in the last edition as a Centre Referee.

Waweru, a mathematics professor, was the man in charge of the last edition’s final.

"It is such an honour for me. Africa has many countries and many referees, so to have me is not only special for me but for the country. It is also a big way to appreciate the fact that the government has done what was required to have Kenya back in international football," said Waweru after his appointment.

He also expects a good show when the action starts in Algeria next year, despite almost a whole year outside active football.

"The question of fitness is critical. Of course I did the best to keep fit like my fellow referees when our football had been stopped. I also officiated friendly matches, but now we are back full throttle since the Premier League has kicked off.

“By the time we go for CHAN in January, we will be in top shape,” said Waweru.

He has accrued 14 years experience officiating in the local scene and six years experience in international matches, which includes taking part in two editions of Africa Cup of Nations - 2019 and 2021.

He was also in the CHAN finals in the year 2020, in Morocco. He also officiated at the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.