Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended three referees for poor officiating.
Referees Lloyd Mapanje and Grace Gimo, alongside assistant referee Claris Simango, will each be suspended for four matches.
In a statement, ZIFA said Mapanje and Simango could not meet expected standards when they officiated a match between Dynamos and Yadah on the 19th of June, while Gimo’s performance during the Green Fuel and TelOne match played on June 14 was judged to be below expected standards.
ZIFA has emphasised the critical role that match officials play in maintaining the credibility of the game, hence the association’s continuous monitoring of their performance.
Meanwhile, Premier Soccer League action enters Week 19 this weekend, with log leaders MWOS involved in a tricky home tie against Bikita Minerals on Saturday.
After shooting back to the top, the debutants believe pole position comes with a lot of pressure, noting the need for the team to remain focused.
“It is good to be back on top. Our next assignment is not an easy game, but we will prepare. My boys should keep their heads down, keep focused. Our target remains to survive relegation. We can talk about the race after the 40-mark point,” said Mutasa.
Match Day 19 action begins with Green Fuel hosting Ngezi Platinum in Chisumbanje on Saturday.
On the same day, Chicken Inn play Yadah at Luveve, Manica Diamonds entertain FC Platinum at Sakubva, Simba Bhora date ZPC Kariba at Wadzanayi, and Dynamos lock horns with Herentals.
On Sunday, Triangle host TelOne at Gibbo, as Scottland and CAPS United face off at the ceremonial home of football, Rufaro.
The game between Kwekwe United and Highlanders, set for Bata Stadium, concludes Match Day 19 fixtures.
The match comes at a time the Bulawayo giants have re-appointed committee member Kindman Ndlovu as Acting Chief Executive Officer until further notice.
Ndlovu quit the same job last week, citing internal strife, but it seems Highlanders Executive Chairperson Kenneth Mhlophe has successfully convinced Ndlovu to reconsider his decision.
In a statement released by the club this Tuesday, Mhlophe confirmed Ndlovu had retracted his resignation and apologised to the treasurer, Nkani Khoza, whom he had accused of causing divisions in the club.
However, impeccable sources at the club confided to ZBC News that the board and the executive are still not in agreement on the shortlist for the substantive CEO position.
