It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the passing after a short illness of newly-listed female FIFA Assistant Referee Kornelius Shilixuleni Ndapewa from Namibia.

“My sincere condolences to her family and the entire Namibian football fraternity,” COSAFA Referees Manager Felix Tangawarima said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult period. May God give you the strength.

“As the COSAFA referees family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our brightest talents. This is truly a sad day for all of us.”

Ndapewa was added to the FIFA panel just last month.