Former Midlands referee dies

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
FORMER Midlands referee, Benjamin Sibanda has died. He was 81.

Sibanda passed away last Sunday and was buried on Wednesday in Shagari, Lower Gweru. His son, Thabani Sibanda said the elder Sibanda was afflicted by blood pressure.

Thabani said his father was a no nonsense referee who officiated during a time when officials would be subjected to violence by both players and supporters but he was able to stand his ground. He said his big imposing stature scared away any potential threats.

“He was known as a firm referee and would not be intimidated into making unjust decisions because of fear of being beaten up. My father would stand his ground and was certainly aided by his big stature that made players or supporters think twice about attacking him,” he said.

Sibanda started his footballing career as a defender and featured for various teams that include Bata Power that was then in Division Two and moved to Dairiboard and also turned out for Gweru United in Division One.

Thabani said upon hanging up his boots, Sibanda decided to pursue refereeing and officiated mostly in the Midlands in the Gweru Amateur Football Association, Division 1, 2, 3 and once featured as a linesman in the then top flight league.

Former Zifa vice president and Zifa referees committee chairman, Omenga Sibanda, nephew to Benjamin, said the former referee acquitted himself well in the trade, representing the community well as he handled matches across the whole of Midlands.

He is survived by his wife Sibonisiwe, eight children, 36 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.