Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA has come down hard on referee Owen Manenda, handing him a six-match suspension after a blunder-filled performance in the explosive Harare derby between Dynamos and CAPS United that ended 1- 1 at Rufaro Stadium on 18 May.
The Zimbabwe Football Association announced that Manenda will not officiate in Premier League matches from Matchday 13 to Matchday 18 after a review of the derby found a “critical officiating error” that “significantly influenced the outcome of the game.”
The match commissioner’s report tore into the referee’s decision-making, saying he failed to meet the expected standards of top-flight officiating.
In a strongly worded statement, ZIFA said, “In line with Article 22 of the Referees Code of Conduct, and in pursuit of upholding integrity and accountability within the game, Owen Manenda has been suspended from officiating in Premier League matches from Matchday 13 to Matchday 18.”
ZIFA also used the moment to reinforce its commitment to cleaning up the beautiful game.
“We remain dedicated to fair play, transparency, and improving refereeing standards across all levels,” the association said.
Manenda now finds himself on the sidelines, watching the league he was supposed to control, all thanks to a whistle that went very wrong.
Bongani Ndlovu
derick.khumalo