Chiyangwa hails Tangwarima

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa yesterday paid glowing tribute to FIFA instructor Felix Tangawarima for his efforts in building the capacity of referees in the country and rallied local match-officials to emulate him and rise through the ranks of COSAFA, CAF and the world football governing body.

Chiyangwa, who is also the chairman of the ZIFA Referees Committee, said they were now targeting a course that would train the local match officials to use the video assistant referee system.

He said the Seven-time Zimbabwe Referee of the Year has been a shining example whom the current crop needed to emulate.

Tangawarima is also the head of the COSAFA Referees committee.

“Leadership is about overcoming fear and fearless people are true leaders and as referees be bold when you make your decisions,” he said.

“It is heartening to have Felix, one of the most successful referees in the country now training other referees. Felix is without a doubt Africa’s top referee instructor and he has made the nation proud.

“You can also rise though the same ranks but you need to be confident. I could not have become ZIFA or COSAFA president if I did not have confidence.

“Referees play a critical role in matches, when you make a decision, be fearless and stand by it. Don’t second guess yourself because if you do that then you discredit yourself and you send the wrong signal to those watching the match.

“I was pleased to hear Felix reporting that all of you had passed the physical test, otherwise I would have been embarrassed to have my referees failing.

“Remember I am the COSAFA President and Felix here heads the COSAFA referees. You have been doing well already, but I cannot stop urging you to keep improving.’’

Tangawarima pleaded with the ZIFA boss to use his influence to ensure that the quota of locals on the FIFA panel, which has stagnated at three centre referees and as many assistants for several years, was reviewed upwards.

Chiyangwa, in response, said he could only push for that once the Zimbabweans had undergone the video assistant referee training in line with the changing global trends.

The Harare businessman also urged the referees to try and educate more people at every turn about the laws of the game.

“Take every opportunity you get to educate those who do not know the laws of the game, one day all your critics will appreciate the value that you add to the game of football.

“I want to thank Prince Edward for assisting us with their facilities, we are greatly indebted to them for their continued support in several programmes that we have had over the years. Job well done to my vice-chair, Mr Muzambi and your team. This course was a resounding success,’’ Chiyangwa aid.

As they wound up a week of intense training under the watchful eyes of Tangawarima and Mark Mzengo of Malawi and the local duo of Muzambi and Alfred Zindove, the 35 participants were in high spirits at Prince Edward.

Midlands referees Munyaradzi Majoni and Thomas Kusosa, who hogged the limelight on May 14 following the abandonment of the high-profile Premiership clash between giants Dynamos and Highlanders at Barbourfields, were among the participants.

The 40 year-old referee said the gulf in knowledge between the match officials and fans continued to pause a big challenge for them.

“After attending these courses we always proceed to assist young referees, who would not have had a chance to attend.

“But I must say of the elite courses that I have attended here, this is the best FIFA course we have had since 2010 in terms of content and the practical aspects that we went through,’’ Majoni said.

Harare referee Nomore Musundire, who also celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday, described the course as beneficial.

“It is every referee’s wish to go up the ladder and this is the gateway for us.

“Most the courses are three-day but in this case we have had a longer period and we covered a lot of things and this has really been beneficial to us,’’ Musundire said.

Claris Simango, a FIFA panel referee since 2014, hailed the growth of female officials .

“This course means a lot to us as female referees as it gives us an opportunity to go up. Some of the female referees here will officiate at the COSAFA championships next month and for me being on the Elite A CAF panel, I am also looking forward to getting an appointment to the World Cup,’’ Simango said.