Sports Correspondent

The newly appointed ZIFA Referees Committee has introduced a series of measures aimed at enhancing the quality of match officiating in the country, just ahead of the Premier Soccer League’s season kick-off this Friday.

Under the leadership of Faith Mloyi, the committee acted swiftly to establish a solid foundation by hosting a training workshop, facilitated by former referee and ex-SRC Chairperson Anthony Mandiwanza. ZIFA vice-chairperson Kennedy Ndebele represented the association during the session.

The workshop resulted in the adoption of key resolutions designed to address issues that plagued officials last year, with some referees becoming the center of controversy for the wrong reasons. Among the resolutions passed, it was decided that all financial transactions involving referees would be handled solely by ZIFA, ensuring no payments are processed outside the association’s official structures.

To further safeguard the integrity of the refereeing process, committee members will no longer participate in matches as officials, whether as referees, assessors, or match commissioners.

Additionally, the committee will focus on the recruitment of new referees, specifically targeting individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. They will also implement a strict code of conduct for all referees, which will apply across all levels of play, from lower leagues to the Premier Soccer League.

Referees manager, Joshua Tigere, has been appointed to oversee all officiating matters on a full-time basis and will be stationed at ZIFA’s offices.

The newly formed referees committee is headed by Faith Mloyi, with Munyaradzi Majoni serving as her deputy. Other members include Jacob Kuuya, Makonese Masakadza, and Rusina Kuda Chiramba, while Joshua Tigere will manage all refereeing operations.