Historic all-female referee team in Herentals, Chicken Inn match

Zimpapers Sports Hub

Herentals 0-0 Chicken Inn

HISTORY was made at Rufaro Stadium yesterday for the first time in the history of the Premier League as Zifa appointed an all-female cast of officials for the Herentals and Chicken Inn.

The all-female cast officials were led by match commissioner, Kuda Chirimba. Grace Gimo was the match referee assisted with Claris Simango being the first assistant.

Progress Chatsamwa the second assistant referee with Thanks Nyahuye standing as the fourth official. Zifa Referees Committee chairperson Norman Matemera described the historic event as step in the right direction.

“We had a five-woman team officiating in this match, Herentals versus Chicken Inn, being the last game of the season.
“We are moving in the right direction. “This is a great milestone. This is the first of its kind and of course, everything is the first step. This is the first step.

“I hope even in Division One, Division Two, we must do the same,” said Matemera. He praised the ladies for putting a good performance.

“We are happy with the performance that they exhibited today. And we hope this is a stepping stone. Next season, going forward, we should be having more matches where women are taking control,” sad the referees’ boss.

With nothing much to play for between the two teams the match was a drab affair in the first period as neither side showed an intent in front of goal.

Neither side created goal-scoring opportunities in a slow-paced first half. The hosts came from the break with a bit of urgency as they started penetrating the visitors’ half.

Herentals pressure came close to bearing fruit on the hour mark when Erick Dombo flighted in a cross into the Chicken Inn box.

The cross found an unmarked Blessing Kaduku who directed his header a few inches from the target. Herentals continued to ask questions on the Chicken Inn defence with Tino Benza leading the hosts attack. Twice an occasion, Tino saw his crosses going to waste as they found no takers inside the Chicken Inn box.

Chicken assistant coach Tostao Kwashi echoed Matemera sentiments on the all-female referees’ line up describing the nil all draw as an exciting fixture.

“I would also like to thank PSL for putting four lady referees to officiate the game. It’s very good for football, that we empower women. I think they did a decent job and they should be given more games. The more games they’re given, the more they will get better and better. “But I thought they did a fantastic job,” said Kwashi.