Referees under seige
Published On October 27, 2017 » 2501 Views» By Davies M.M Chanda » Football, Sports
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By GODFREY DUBE –
LUSAKA Dynamos coach Patrick Phiri has observed that poor officiating, if not well addressed, would contribute to the downfall of football standards in the country.
Referees have again come under attack with some coaches in the MTN-FAZ Super League questioning the whistle-men competences to handle matches at this crucial stage of the season.
Phiri said every club was working hard to win their last matches as the season comes to an end but poor officiating had left most clubs complaining.
“We played well despite failing to pick maximum points, a draw is a fair result after coming from a loss. The referee made some mistakes in the game and this poor officiating issue must be handled well otherwise football will not develop,” Phiri said.
Few weeks ago, Red Arrows coach Honour Janza called referee Leonard Akapelwa incompetent after making questionable decisions.
Green Buffaloes coach Bilton Musonda also bemoaned the increase in poor officiating of games among referees as the league enters its crucial stage.
“It’s sad to see how some of these officials handle games. These referees should understand that the league is coming to an end and every game is important and must be handled with professionalism unlike what most of them are doing,” he said.
Musonda said it was bad that every coach was complaining about the referee’s incompetence’s.
He claimed that referee Kennedy Chimense, who handled Buffaloes against Lusaka Dynamos, made questionable decisions on most occasions.
“We had clear penalties when midfielder Mike Katiba was fouled inside the box twice but the referee and his assistants were watching. Our opponents also had some opportunities but the decisions went against them,” he said.
Buffaloes missed the chance to close up on leaders Zanaco following their barren draw with Dynamos.
“It’s been long since we last played continental football and our target is to finish in the top four and play continental football. Winning the league will be a bonus for us,” Musonda said.

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