Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Deputy Sports Editor
SOCCER referees are important components of the game’s administration, a Zifa official has said.
Addressing referees at the Zifa Southern Region League Panel workshop in Bulawayo on Friday, regional boss Cris Mtungwazi said they are guardians of fairness on the field. He said in their absence, the game lacks governance and direction that gives football its appeal.
“Referees are the guardians of fairness on the field of play. Without referees, there is no structure to the game. Without referees, there is no credibility to competition. And without credible officiating, the integrity of football itself is placed at risk,” said Mtungwazi.
He said the workshop was not just a calendar event but an important occasion for reflection, learning and renewal for those entrusted with one of the most demanding responsibilities in football.
The Zifa Southern Region chairman said every decision made by referees also affects the confidence in competitions.
“Every whistle you blow, every decision you make and every match you control contributes to shaping the public’s confidence in our competitions. When referees perform with competence, consistency and integrity, football earns the trust of the players, clubs and supporters,” said Mtungwazi.
He said today, unlike in the past, every game is watched by thousands at stadia, thousands more on television or social media with replays for reviews. The game, he said, has become faster and more intense with a lot of scrutiny than any other time in history.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 football season, the expectations placed upon match officials are higher than before,” he said.
This, he said, was placing a lot of pressure on referees to make a decision at the split of a second with absolute accuracy.
“You are expected to remain calm while surrounded by emotion. You are expected to enforce the laws of the game even when the atmosphere becomes hostile. It’s not an easy role,” said Mtungwazi.
He said referees deserve respect for the courage, discipline and professionalism they exude in the execution of their duties also carrying the burden of public scrutiny long after the match would have ended.
Mtungwazi said clubs, players and supporters deserve to respect the match officials because of the responsibilities they carry.
“When we protect referees, we protect the integrity of the game itself,” said Mtungwazi.
He described the referees’ workshops as a necessity.
“That is why seminars such as this refresher course are so important; continuous learning is not a luxury in modern football,” said Mtungwazi.
The referees during the two-day programme visited laws of the game, reviewed match scenarios.
He described the holding of such workshops as a commitment by Zifa to raising the standards of the game, adding that the best referees in the world remain students.
The two-day event attracted referees and commissioners from Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces which constitute the Zifa Southern Region and will be in charge of Division One matches this season.
Peter Tanyanyiwa