Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere ,Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a bold and increasingly rare public move, the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has suspended three Premier Soccer League (PSL) match officials for poor performances, just as the 2025 Castle Lager campaign heads into Round 19.
Referee Lloyd Mapanje, whose handling of the versus Yadah and Greenfuel versus TelOne matches raised eyebrows, has been suspended from Matchday 17 to Matchday 20.
“This follows his performance during the Dynamos versus Yadah match played at Rufaro Stadium on 19 June 2025, which was reported by the Match Commissioner as not meeting the expected standard,” Zifa said in a statement.
The association also confirmed the suspension of referee Grace Gimo and assistant referee, Claris Simango.
“Referee, Grace Gimo, has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 16 to Matchday 19. This action follows her performance during the Greenfuel versus TelOne match played at Greenfuel Arena on 14 June 2025, which was found to be below the required standard.
“Assistant referee Claris Simango has been suspended from officiating Premier League matches from Matchday 17 to Matchday 20. This decision was based on her performance during the Dynamos versus Yadah match on 19 June 2025, which the Match Commissioner assessed as not meeting the expected level of officiating.”
Zifa has typically dealt with disciplinary matters involving referees behind closed doors, citing the need to protect officials from public backlash. But a noticeable shift in approach has emerged this season, with the association now naming and suspending errant officials in public.
Many fans have welcomed the move, saying it offers closure when poor officiating influences match outcomes. “If a referee has a bad day and something is done about it, people feel heard. At least there’s accountability now,” said a PSL fan in Harare.
In late May, Zifa named and suspended three other match officials, Lawrence Zimondi, Nelson Meke and Tichaona Mbire, after their performances were deemed to have been far below elite football standards.
Zimondi was sidelined from Matchday 11 to Matchday 14 for his handling of the Highlanders vs CAPS United clash at Barbourfields Stadium on April 13 and the Ngezi Platinum vs Yadah encounter on April 30 at Baobab Stadium.
Meke was suspended for the same period following a poor showing in the Scottland vs Herentals match on May 1 at Rufaro.
Mbire received the longest suspension,from Matchday 11 to 16, after what Zifa labelled “an unsatisfactory performance” during the MWOS vs Manica Diamonds match on May 1 at Ngoni Stadium.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, PSL Round 19 promises several intriguing battles.
Struggling Highlanders are heading to Midlands to face Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium in Gweru. After a 1-0 defeat to Bikita Minerals, Chicken Inn will look to rebound at home against Yadah Stars at Luveve Stadium.
Ngoni Stadium will host the top of the table clash between MWOS and Bikita Minerals, while Manica Diamonds face FC Platinum at Sakubva.
Defending champions, Simba Bhora, will take on ZPC Kariba at Wadzanayi Stadium, Shamva and Dynamos meet Herentals College at Rufaro Stadium in a matchup of fading giants.
Scottland FC rounds out the weekend with a fixture against CAPS United, also at Rufaro.
Castle Lager PSL Week 19 Fixtures
Saturday:
Greenfuel v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Greenfuel Arena), MWOS v Bikita Minerals (Ngoni Stadium), Chicken Inn v Yadah Stars (Luveve Stadium), Manica Diamonds v FC Platinum (Sakubva Stadium), Simba Bhora v ZPC Kariba (Wadzanayi Stadium), Dynamos v Herentals College (Rufaro Stadium), Sunday:
Triangle United v TelOne (Gibbo Stadium), Scottland v CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium), Kwekwe United v Highlanders (Bata Stadium) — @FungaiMuderere
derick.khumalo