adminNgqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
ZIFA Southern Region Division One log leaders Bulawayo City have lodged an official complaint over referee Mlindeli Ndebele’s handling of their home game which they lost 1-0 to Technosphere at Luveve Stadium last Saturday. Technosphere won the game after being awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute and substitute Bekithemba Nyoni stepped up to convert it.
Bulawayo City chairman Jerry Sibanda was livid over last weekend’s performance by Ndebele during their first loss, saying they are forwarding their complaint to Zifa.
He said they have ample proof as they record all their games on video.
Sibanda said it was unfortunate that referees expected to bring fairness to the league were doing a shoddy job.
“That performance was totally shocking. The way he seemed to be quick to blow the whistle against us but seemed lenient against Technosphere players left us with so many questions. We don’t believe the penalty given to our opponents was genuine while on the other hand we were denied a genuine penalty after a Technosphere player handled inside the box but the referee looked away,” he said.
Video replays seen by this publication show that Bulawayo City defender Peace Tshuma went down first in the penalty incident and was followed by Technosphere gunman Manyando Ndlovu but there was no clear contact between the two and Ndebele hesitated before pointing to the spot.
City’s denied penalty calls came after a shot by Eddie Nkulungo and seemed to bounce off Technosphere defender, Thubert Sibanda’s right hand when he was inside the box but Ndebele did not blow the whistle.
“We don’t see the use of having Premiership referees if they are going to perform worse than D1 referees. We have never complained about referees and this is our first time.
“It is not because we don’t want to lose, no. If we lose fairly we would accept the result, not for it to be influenced by the match official. That poor performance left us with a lot of questions,” added Sibanda.
The complaint comes after moves were made by the Zifa Southern Region executive to enlist the services of Premiership referees.
Chairman Musa Mandaza said they resolved to seek Premiership referees to ensure the league is won “fairly” as it reaches its crucial stage.
Mandaza said it will always be better to have referees with higher qualifications as a way of making sure teams efforts are not hard done by poor officiating.
Division One matches have previously been marred by claims of match-fixing with Central Gate being the most prominent and resulted in several officials and referees being banned and suspended from the game in 2012.
Meanwhile, City have a chance to restore their confidence when they take on Nust this afternoon at Luveve Stadium while title rivals, second placed Bulawayo Chiefs take on Black Boots at Hartsfield. Despite last week’s loss City head into today’s game with a four point lead at the top.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo