Branton Matondo
With the 2023 edition of Eastern Region Division One Soccer League already underway having two fixtures played, the top brass at Hughes Street, Masvingo has urged clubs to file informed and accurate reports rather than blazing the social media with undocumented poor officiating allegations.
Clubs and fans included have already shown dislike towards officiating of games in the first and second week of fixtures.
Speaking to TellZim News, Eastern Region Soccer League Chairperson Wisdom Masimba said clubs should follow the protocol and desist from blazing social media.
“As a region, we call for clubs to compile reports and send them to the region so that they are reviewed by the referees committee. We do not work with hear-say because it’s not how it works,” said Masimba.
He however warned referees that when their names appear consistently on many reports, action will be taken.
“We however warn referees whose names continue to pop up on various reports compiled by clubs. If that happens, the region takes action,” he added.
Chief on the complains list is the match pitting Grayham and Mutare City Rovers played on the on April 7.
Grayham top striker confided with this publication to say that the centre referee bribed him with US$ 3 as a cover up for his dubious no penalty decision when Mutare City Rovers goalie Tafadzwa Dube double barrelled the striker in the 18 yard box.
New comers Rusitu Tigers have also filed a report on poor match officiating on their match against Grayham Fc.
Mutare City Rovers gaffer Luke ‘Vahombe’ Masomere said it was a surprise after the referee ended the match at exactly 90 minutes.
“I was really surprised when the referee was supposed to add like 10 minutes or so of added time but he didn’t even add a single minute. I really don’t know why he did it because there were a lot of stoppages in the second half, the goalkeeper faking injuries every now and then,” said Masomere.