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Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
ZIFA and the Northern Region (Division One) Soccer League have struck an understanding that has paved the way for referees to resume officiating at Black Rhinos games.
This means the Rhino’s assignment at home against new boys Agama will go ahead at the Heart Stadium this afternoon as scheduled.
ZIFA had on Wednesday indicated that their Referees Committee had decided to boycott all matches involving the soldiers in the wake of attacks on one of their colleagues Pride Benhura during a match between CC Lee Mhangura against Black Rhinos at Mhangura stadium.
Despite Rhinos having been the away team, ZIFA had insisted that the army side ought to have provided adequate security to the match officials.
It was also one of the major conditions that ZIFA had set for Rhinos if their referees were to resume officiating in home and away games involving the soldiers.
NRSL chairman Martin Kweza confirmed that they had met and discussed with ZIFA after which an amicable solution was reached.
“We have engaged with ZIFA on the measures, which were undertaken and unfortunately we had not communicated with them about the processes as we thought we would do so after concluding the matter.
“But I am happy to say that after we engaged them (ZIFA) about the processes we were undertaking and acknowledging receipt of the letter describing the process we were doing, they (ZIFA) have promised us that the referees will be available for the match tomorrow (today),” Kweza said.
Kweza added that the outcome of the disciplinary, which was held on Tuesday will be known on July 2.
“After the incident, we issued a statement advising our stakeholders that we would get to the bottom of the matter within seven days.
“And as part of the process we delayed the hearing by two days as we had not received all the reports by the time we had set but eventually the hearing was held on Tuesday.
“And we are looking forward to the outcome of the disciplinary hearing on July 2,” said Kweza.
The NRSL boss said that the region does not condone violence hence the reason they act immediately on any reports of violence.
“As a region, we do not condone violent acts and we have a track record of dealing with such acts accordingly,” said Kweza.
Zifa Referees Committee chairman Nomore Matemera demanded an assurance of the safety of their members.
“What we need is an assurance from the NRSL that our referees are safe.
“This is a message that we are sending that when we feel our members are not safe then we will withdraw our services,” said Matemera.
Rhinos, management have also indicated that they are instituting their internal disciplinary proceedings on the coaches and players who were involved in the skirmishes at Mhangura stadium.
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