adminAddressing members of the Zimbabwe Soccer Referees’ Association during an annual general meeting held in Kwekwe at the weekend, the veteran soccer administrator said there were channels provided to address such issues.
“We have heard disturbing indications that some referees were ordering the boycott of certain clubs’ games over outstanding match fees but this is not a proper channel.
“There is need to desist from such moves especially before exhausting the existing channels available in the game’s administration,” said Gumede.
Without giving out names, Gumede said the concern had been brought to his attention that some clubs, especially in the lower division soccer leagues in Matabeleland were failing to pay referees.
In a worst case scenario a referee is said to have delayed reporting for duty by over an hour but could not wait 15 minutes for the home team to go and collect security details.
Gumede however gave referees a pat on the shoulder for their performances this season.
“It has been a good show on the field, less incidents and no corrupt tendencies reported so far this season.
“As soccer administrators we also need to give match officials credit.”
He said this was in sharp contrast to last year’s show which was littered with match-fixing allegations, one such being the Centralgate.
Gumede almost ruled out any match fee raise this season.
“In as much as we would love to review the match fees, the situation at clubs does not permit any such review,” said Gumede.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter