Though the Chipolopolo of Zambia didn’t qualify for the greatest soccer showpiece on the planet, the world cup; Zambians all over are proud of their representative at the soccer showpiece being held in Russia.
Born in Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, the 39 year old referee tops the list of 5 African referees approved by FIFA to officiate at the ongoing soccer fiesta, with his first task being the man in middle for the Belgium VS Panama game.
Here are a few things you may not know about this mild tempered whistle-man:
- He is the first Zambian to officiate at the World Cup.
- He is known for his leniency, and the fact that he likes to let the game flow, rather than disrupt the game with incessant fouls being blown for.
- Though mild tempered, he isn’t ashamed to pull out the cards from his pockets and issue them to deserving players.
- He was the man entrusted with officiating the Club World Cup final in 2017 between real Madrid of Spain and Kashima Antlers of Japan, coincidentally, the finals was held in Japan.
- Some of his stand-out moments were during the 2017 African Cup of Nations where he also officiated the final game.
- Between May 2017 and June 2018, Janny has issued a total of 33 yellow cards and 2 red cards in a total of 10 games, spanning World Cup qualifiers, African Nations Cup and his first World cup 2018 game between Panama and Belgium.
- His other occupation is that of a school teacher, though we are sure the only cards he will be issuing his students are their end of term report cards.
- He is one of only 6 African referees officiating at the 2018 FIFA world cup being held in Russia.
We are still in the first round of games being played and we believe we shall be seeing more of Janny as the games begin to roll in quick and fast; and after a stellar performance from the whistle-man in the game between Belgium and Panama, we are convinced we shall see more of the gentle, yet no-nonsense referee in the games to come.
**Instagram links/images: @appointref and @pettilicious4511
** Lead image courtesy: www.zimbio.com
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