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Raymond Jaravaza
RECENTLY announced local referees’ match fees continue to lose value before the ball is even kicked in the 2020 Premier Soccer League and lower divisions, a situation Zifa is trying to mitigate by bringing in a partner to cater for the welfare of match officials.
The 2020 football season kick-off was delayed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has claimed thousands of lives worldwide.
Zifa recently announced match fees for referees in top-flight football and lower leagues.
Referees in the PSL will earn $1 500 for the centre referee and $1 200 for the assistants.
In Division One, the centre referee’s fee is pegged at $300 while the assistants take home $250.
Division Two games will see the centre referee getting $60 while the assistants pocket $50.
Zifa Referees Committee chairman Bryton Malandule said the football mother body wanted to adopt the same model as South Africa where referees are paid a monthly salary, in addition to their earnings in match fees.
“Last year in South Africa referees were paid R5 000 over and above what they earned for officiating matches but local referees are paid only when they officiate.
“Our referees officiate a minimum of two games a month and if one were to calculate their earnings at today’s prevailing rates on the parallel market, then it’s fair to say that they don’t earn much.
“So, we are trying to bring on board a sponsor who will take care of referees’ welfare so that they are also cushioned against the hard economic conditions,” said Malandule.
Online Reporter