Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE newly appointed Zifa Referees Committee chairperson Faith Mloyi has challenged aspiring match officials to uphold integrity and resist corruption as they pursue careers in football officiating.
Mloyi made the remarks during a three-day outreach and training programme being held at Gwabalanda’s Football for Hope Centre, where young five-a-side referees gathered for mentorship and practical sessions.
Addressing the upcoming officials, Mloyi emphasised the importance of honesty and professionalism, warning that the future of Zimbabwean football depends on credible officiating.
“Refereeing is built on trust. The moment you accept bribes, you destroy not only your career but the integrity of the game itself,” she said.
The three-day engagement, which concludes today, will also see the Zifa technical director attending selected first league matches as part of efforts to monitor officiating standards and provide technical support to match officials on the ground.
Her remarks come at a time when the Zifa Referees Committee has introduced a raft of new measures aimed at restoring confidence in match officiating ahead of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Among the key reforms is the centralisation of all financial transactions involving referees under Zifa structures, a move designed to eliminate underhand dealings. In addition, committee members will no longer officiate matches in any capacity to avoid conflicts of interest.
The committee has also prioritised the recruitment of young referees aged between 18 and 25, while a comprehensive code of conduct is being developed to guide officials from grassroots level up to the Premier Soccer League.
Mloyi urged the young referees to embrace discipline and continuous learning, noting that opportunities exist for those who remain committed to fair play.
Sidumisile Mabena