Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga, on Friday, July 7, travelled to New Zealand where she is expected to officiate at the much-anticipated 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Mukansanga is among four African referees selected to officiate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

ALSO READ: Mukansanga to officiate at 2023 Women's World Cup

Mukansanga, 34, brings to the pitch rich experience gained from previous competitions. She is the first female referee to officiate an AFCON game.

ALSO READ: Rwanda's Mukansanga makes her World Cup debut

She has also officiated at the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, AFCON, WAFCON and CAF Women’s Champions League.

ALSO READ: Mukansanga wins top FORBES Africa prize

Mukansanga is ranked among the top female referees on the continent having also been the first woman to handle a men’s game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which is the 9th edition will bring together 32 teams.

The United States will be defending the World Cup they won in 2019 in France after beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final.