Africa Netball welcomes the announcement of the officials appointed for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa, set to take place in Kenya from 19 – 26 September 2026. World Netball has confirmed a strong group of experienced officials who will oversee matches throughout the competition, as teams from across the continent compete on one of African netball’s biggest stages. The appointment of the officiating team is another important step towards the tournament, with umpires playing a key role in maintaining the standards, fairness and integrity expected at international level.
Acting President of Africa Netball, Rebekka Goagoses, said: “As Africa Netball, we recognise the important contribution officials make to the game. Their preparation, decision-making and consistency are central to creating an environment in which players and teams can compete at their best.”
Umpire Appointment Panel
The Umpire Appointment Panel (UAP) for the tournament will consist of:
• Margaret Deighan
• Annette Smith
• Marielouw van der Merwe
• Anso Kemp
Appointed Umpires
The following umpires have been selected to officiate during the qualifier:
• Chakatsa Lephote
• Theophilus Moletsane
• Tharina Opperman
• Caswell Palmer
• Adrian Abrahams
• Salomé Britz
• Megan Elliott
• Thuto Magome
• Boikhutso Tuelo
• Gillian Leslie
• Mninawa Ndaku
For the appointed umpires, the tournament provides another opportunity to perform in a high-pressure international environment while contributing to the continued growth and development of officiating across the region.
Africa Netball recognises the important contribution officials make to the game. Their preparation, decision-making and consistency are central to creating an environment in which players and teams can compete at their best. With the tournament drawing closer, attention now turns to Kenya as players, coaches and officials prepare for an important week of international netball. Africa Netball congratulates all the officials selected and wishes them well ahead of the NWC2027 Qualifier Africa.
