Controversy surrounds appointment of Dynamos referees

CONTROVERSY surrounds the appointment of referees officiating in the domestic Premiership, especially in matches involving the title-chasing teams, amid stunning allegations that some last-minute changes are being made, in unclear circumstances, to aid financially powerful clubs.

Investigations by The Manica Post, revealed that some referees were being appointed to officiate in some high-profile Premiership matches.

Some Castle Lager Premiership teams, with strong financial clout, have been sucked in the controversy where they stand accused of getting referees of their choice after allegedly greasing the palms of those tasked with the job to appoint match officials.

With four matches left before the curtain comes down on the Premiership season, FC Platinum are on top of the table, thanks to a one-point lead over Dynamos. Allegations of biased officiating have taken centre stage as financially weaker clubs feel the heat. But some have chosen to blame a questionable appointment system of referees, which they say is open to manipulation.

"It is sad that there is money at play. Some financially powerful clubs are taking advantage of the situation.

"We are witnessing atrocious match officiating in the Premiership, simply because some clubs even get the referees they want to officiate in their matches", said a Premiership club owner, who declined to be named.

Zimbabwe Referees' Committee acting chairperson, Samukeliso Silengane, who conceded that they made some last-minute changes in some recent matches, said their appointments were above board.

She said no one had a right to challenge the appointment of referees, or the late changes being effected in the appointments, simply because the process was kept a secret until ZRC notifies Zifa.

"To start with, I do not understand how clubs, coaches or even fellow referees can complain about the appointment of referees or the late changes in appointments simply because the process is kept a secret until the ZRC notifies Zifa.

"What happens is that the secretary does the appointment and forwards them to me. I make my input and return to the secretary-general and the secretary hands the names to Zifa.

"It is kept under wraps until the ZRC secretary forwards the list of appointments to Zifa.

"Therefore, I do not know how a club, fellow referee or any other person will challenge the integrity of such a process.

"Yes, there are times that I made some changes to the list that I got from the secretary and that is also based on my discretion after gathering necessary background information.

"For example, I cannot endorse an appointment where a referee is successively appointed to handle a match involving a certain team in the race.

"This is a process that is done in a professional matter and everything is above board," said Silengane.

Although she was not at liberty to divulge their names, the acting ZRC boss revealed that there were some referees who were stopped from officiating in matches involving teams gunning for title.

Silengane said in some recent matches they had been trying some up-and-coming young referees in a move aimed at nurturing match officials who still enjoy a long shelf life in their careers.

"I can confirm that there are some referees whom we have since been stopped from officiating in matches involving teams in the top four.

"These referees have shown questionable conduct and we have decided not to give them matches where any of the top four teams are playing.

"We are not assisting any club for whatever reason. In the same breadth, we are also taking this opportunity to try some young and upcoming referees so that we build a strong base for the future. Everyone has their right to opinion, but when it comes to the way we are conducting our business, it is transparent and above board," said Silengane.