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Mapeza challenges media to expose poor officiating
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Scottland FC coach Norman Mapeza has challenged Zimbabwean journalists to expose poor match officiating, arguing that the media has an important role to play in improving the standard of local football.
Mapeza made the remarks after Scottland FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Dynamos in a rescheduled Premier Soccer League fixture at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.
The former Warriors coach was visibly frustrated at the final whistle and exchanged words with referee Thabani Ruzario on the pitch.
One of the decisions that angered Mapeza was the disallowing of Khama Billiat's first-half goal after the forward was adjudged to have been offside.
Mapeza was also unhappy with a second-half yellow card shown to Billiat for simulation after the Scottland FC forward went down inside the Dynamos penalty area.
Speaking during his post-match interview, Mapeza urged journalists to scrutinise controversial officiating decisions instead of leaving coaches and players to raise the concerns alone.
"Some of you guys are the voice of our football; if you are going to wait for us only to talk about some of the things happening, we are not going to improve our football," Mapeza said.
He challenged journalists to speak out about incidents they witness during matches, arguing that coaches face disciplinary consequences when they publicly criticise referees.
"You guys can see what is happening on the pitch; talk about it as well, if I speak myself, I will be hammered by a fine but what about you guys, what are you afraid of?" he said.
Mapeza's comments come amid growing concerns among coaches, players and supporters over the standard of match officiating in Zimbabwean football.
His call also follows a recent social media storm involving Dynamos legend Rodreck Mutuma, who now coaches Norton Big Boys.
Mutuma attracted widespread attention after publicly complaining about officiating during a ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup match a fortnight ago.
The recurring complaints have intensified calls for greater scrutiny of refereeing standards, with stakeholders arguing that consistent and credible officiating is essential to restoring confidence in domestic football.
Mapeza believes journalists can contribute to that process by independently highlighting controversial decisions and holding football authorities accountable.
Mapeza made the remarks after Scottland FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Dynamos in a rescheduled Premier Soccer League fixture at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.
The former Warriors coach was visibly frustrated at the final whistle and exchanged words with referee Thabani Ruzario on the pitch.
One of the decisions that angered Mapeza was the disallowing of Khama Billiat's first-half goal after the forward was adjudged to have been offside.
Mapeza was also unhappy with a second-half yellow card shown to Billiat for simulation after the Scottland FC forward went down inside the Dynamos penalty area.
Speaking during his post-match interview, Mapeza urged journalists to scrutinise controversial officiating decisions instead of leaving coaches and players to raise the concerns alone.
"Some of you guys are the voice of our football; if you are going to wait for us only to talk about some of the things happening, we are not going to improve our football," Mapeza said.
He challenged journalists to speak out about incidents they witness during matches, arguing that coaches face disciplinary consequences when they publicly criticise referees.
"You guys can see what is happening on the pitch; talk about it as well, if I speak myself, I will be hammered by a fine but what about you guys, what are you afraid of?" he said.
Mapeza's comments come amid growing concerns among coaches, players and supporters over the standard of match officiating in Zimbabwean football.
His call also follows a recent social media storm involving Dynamos legend Rodreck Mutuma, who now coaches Norton Big Boys.
Mutuma attracted widespread attention after publicly complaining about officiating during a ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup match a fortnight ago.
The recurring complaints have intensified calls for greater scrutiny of refereeing standards, with stakeholders arguing that consistent and credible officiating is essential to restoring confidence in domestic football.
Mapeza believes journalists can contribute to that process by independently highlighting controversial decisions and holding football authorities accountable.
Source - newzimbabwe
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