AFCON U-20 2025: What Kenya’s Sole Referee Will Earn at the Tournament

Dickens Mimisa. Photo. Imago

AFCON U-20 2025: What Kenya’s Sole Referee Will Earn at the Tournament

Evans Ousuru 21:31 - 12.04.2025

Kenya will have one referee officiate at the U-20 AFCON but how much is he set to pocket?

Kenyan referee Dickens Mimisa is in line for handsome cash rewards when he officiates at the U-20, 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The tournament, which will kick off on April 27 and end on May 18, 2025, will be officiated by 14 centre referees, 15 assistants and 10 VAR officials.

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Besides a lump sum payment based on their performance at the tournament, the referees at the AFCON will also be paid $1,200 (Ksh155,420) per match.

Former Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad Ahmad increased the amount paid to officials from $750 (Ksh97,137) to $1,200 (Ksh155,420) per match upon his election in 2017 and there has not been any indication if the figures will be revised for the 2025 tournament.

Mimisa as centre referee, will also be entitled to other lump some payments including awards and fees, should he emerge as the top referee in the tournament ending May 18 in the North African nation.

Growing popularity

Mimisa's growing popularity is not by surprise. He officiated the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby, the iconic clash between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on March 30 at the Nyayo Stadium.

His performance on that day earned widespread praise, with fans and pundits alike applauding his ability to maintain control in an intense atmosphere. 

Despite the fierce rivalries and high stake drama of the match, Mimisa’s composure ensured the game remained fair and orderly.

Although the match ended in a 0-0 draw, it was packed with intensity, featuring hard tackles and near-misses.

Mimisa’s path to officiating at the AFCON U20 is no accident. As a FIFA-accredited referee, he has already made his mark internationally, officiating in numerous international matches and proving his ability to handle pressure and make crucial decisions under intense scrutiny. 

He has also been selected among kenyan refrees that will officiate in the upcoming CHAN competitions alongside Peter Waweru and Samuel Kuria.