Chronicle Editor
Don Makanyanga, Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe Referees Committee has taken drastic action against Zifa Northern Region Division 1 side Black Rhinos following a violent incident involving the team’s technical team players on match officials in a league match against CC Lee Mhangura.
Violent scenes erupted at the Mhangura Stadium on June 16 after match referee Pride Benhura awarded CC Lee Mhangura a controversial penalty kick mid-way into the second half
Zifa notified the Northern Region Division 1 of its decision to withdraw match officials for all Black Rhinos games with immediate effect.
A letter written to NRSL chairperson Martin Kweza by Zifa general secretary Yvonne Manwa-Mapika read:”We hereby inform you that the Referees Committee has decided to withdraw the services for all matches involving Black Rhinos FC.
“This decision applies to both home and away matches.”
The letter came as a surprise to the football fraternity as Black Rhinos appeared before the Zifa Northern Region Division 1 Soccer league disciplinary committee on Tuesday.
“To ensure the safety of match officials, we insist that concrete steps be taken before football matches involving Black Rhinos.
Until such measures are implemented, the withdrawal of referees will remain in effect,” said Manwa-Mapika.
The Zifa general-secretary revealed that the association was concerned with the rise of violent acts against match officials.
“We also urge all clubs to prioritise safety and create a secure environment for matches,” said Manwa-Mapika.
The decision by Zifa comes at a time when the Black Rhinos executive was already in the process of taking disciplinary action on its technical team members and players who were involved in the incident and have already written a protest letter to the NRSL on handing a Norton-based referee to officiate the match.
Pride Benhura is alleged to work at Black Rhinos rivals Mwoos FC home-ground Ngoni Stadium in Norton
“Black Rhinos takes this opportunity to give clarity on the events which happened in Mhangura on June 16, 2024.
The club participated in an NRSL match against CC Lee Mhangura and the match was handled by Norton resident referee Mr Pride Benhura.
“As in football matches the technical staff and players if ever feel short-changed by some of referees’ decisions due to raised emotions they are bound to protest which the club does not condone at all.
“As a club we condemn and do not in any way accommodate violent incidents at soccer matches which tarnish the image of the club and of our game.
“In any case we have our internal disciplinary measures which we apply on the technical department and players who confront match officials,” reads a statement released by Black Rhinos after the Mhangura incident.”
Online Reporter