Gambe faces sack

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Women’s Football executive member Cecilia Gambe faces expulsion from the committee following her shocking pitch invasion and confronting the referee during a Castle Lager Premiership match between Mutare City Rovers and How Mine earlier this month.

Gambe is not new to controversy, as she once accused the Sports and Recreation Commission of endorsing the candidature of Philip Chiyangwa when he was still campaigning for the Zifa top job last year.

She was heavily reprimanded by the SRC for her accusations.

Get breaking news and Sportszone’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sportszone App (Android on Google Play) and personalize your experience by following your favourite teams and Sportszone writers.

“Her dismissal is imminent, especially since we’re heading for the extraordinary general meeting. She’s a thorn in our football administration,” said a member of the Zifa executive committee.

Chiyangwa yesterday released a strongly worded statement indicating that Gambe would face disciplinary action.

“The Zifa executive committee has decided to take (an) exemplary route and Cecilia Gambe will face disciplinary action,” said Chiyangwa.

“The behaviour by Gambe of invading the pitch is disappointing and unacceptable. Gambe is a member of the Zifa Assembly and we expect her to preserve the sacrosanct values of the game by respecting the referee’s decisions. ‘‘We need order in our game and all individuals, who are bent on bringing the beautiful game of football into disrepute, will be severely punished.”

‘‘Law 5 of the laws of the game states that “the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of match, are final”.

Chiyangwa said referees were the experts on the field of play and they should be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or fear for their lives.