Janny Sikazwe (born 26 May 1979) is a Zambian educator and an experienced international football referee. Best known for officiating high-profile matches in Africa and at FIFA club level, Sikazwe has represented Zambia on the continental and global refereeing stage while maintaining a career in teaching. His dual roles have made him a recognizable figure in both sports and education in Zambia.
Sikazwe's duties as a match official follow the standard responsibilities of referees: enforcing the Laws of the Game, managing player conduct, coordinating with assistant referees and match officials, and making on-field decisions under pressure. Observers and commentators often emphasize the concentration, fitness and communication skills required to perform at the international level. Sikazwe combines these technical skills with the temperament developed through classroom work, where patience and authority are equally valuable.
Career highlights
- Officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, including duties during AFCON 2015.
- Selected as the referee for the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup Final held in Japan, a notable international appointment.
- Refereed the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final in Gabon, one of the most prominent assignments for a continental official.
Appointments to finals and marquee matches signal trust from confederations and governing bodies. Such selections typically follow consistent performances in domestic leagues and regional competitions. Sikazwe progressed from refereeing in Zambia's national competitions to assignments across Africa and at FIFA-sanctioned events, reflecting both his experience and fitness to manage elite contests.
Beyond matchday duties, a referee at Sikazwe's level often participates in training seminars, fitness testing and workshops run by continental and international referee bodies. These activities ensure officials remain current with changes to the Laws of the Game and with best practices in match management. Balancing those commitments with a day job in education demonstrates a common pattern among referees from nations where full-time professional officiating is less common.
Notable aspects of Sikazwe's profile include his background as a teacher and his status as an international referee. His career illustrates how referees from smaller footballing nations can reach prominent positions through performance, discipline and continued professional development. Sikazwe's appointments to major finals remain key milestones and points of reference for refereeing standards in Zambia and the wider region.